What is the English equivalent of the Russian idiom ‘for a mad dog, an extra 7 miles isn’t a big deal’?

Question

In Russian there’s an idiom translated loosely as ‘for a mad (crazy) dog, an extra 7 miles isn’t a big deal’ - it means ‘unnecessary effort‘, often used ironically to talk about someone whose silliness makes them put more effort than necessary. E.g. instead of choosing a shorter route a person takes a longer route because they think it’s cheaper (in case of traveling by plane). If any of that makes sense to you, can you recommend any English equivalents?

rajah9 · Answer

The setup would be:
Bill: “I‘m saving $100 by traveling from London to Paris through Abu Dhabi.”
Let's try a few idioms on for size. His friend might respond:

You like to do it the hard way!

(This is an expression from the dice game of craps, where one must reproduce an earlier roll with an unusual combination. Hearer is neutral to mildly approving on Bill's action.)

You're a glutton for punishment.

(Captures the idea that the person is masochistic. Hearer is neutral to mildly disapproving of Bill's action.)

Are you overcompensating for something?

(From psychologist Alfred Adler. Source. Implies that Bill has a psychological deficit that he must compensate for. Hearer is mildly disapproving.)

Centaurus · Answer

Bill: "I'm saving $100 by traveling from London to Paris through Abu Dhabi"
Alex:  "To me, you're taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut."

From TFD

"To use excessive, overcomplicated, or extravagant means or force to accomplish something relatively minor or simple. If someone uses a sledgehammer to crack a nut, they use methods to solve a problem that are far more extreme than is necessary."

What is the English equivalent of the Russian idiom ‘for a mad dog, an extra 7 miles isn’t a big deal’?

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