What does “No good deed goes unpunished” mean?
"No good deed goes unpunished" means that when you try to do something good, you might end up facing negative consequences instead.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I volunteered to help clean up the park, but no good deed goes unpunished - I ended up getting stung by a bee.
Example
He offered to lend his friend money, but no good deed goes unpunished - his friend never paid him back.
Example
She tried to mediate a conflict between her coworkers, but no good deed goes unpunished - they both turned against her instead
Is “No good deed goes unpunished” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“No good deed goes unpunished” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “No good deed goes unpunished” effectively in context?
You can use "No good deed goes unpunished" to express the idea that even when you try to do something good or helpful, you may still face negative consequences. It highlights the irony that sometimes our actions are not appreciated or rewarded as we expect. For example, if someone offers to help a friend move and ends up injuring themselves in the process, you might say, 'Well, no good deed goes unpunished.'
- 1Helping Others
She volunteered to babysit her neighbor's children, but no good deed goes unpunished - the kids were unruly and made a mess of her house.
- 2Generosity
He donated a large sum of money to a charity, but no good deed goes unpunished - he was criticized for not donating even more.
- 3Intervening in Conflict
She tried to mediate a dispute between her friends, but no good deed goes unpunished - they both turned against her instead.
Similar phrases to “No good deed goes unpunished”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “No good deed goes unpunished” come from?
The origin of the phrase "No good deed goes unpunished" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. It is often attributed to American playwright Clare Boothe Luce, who used a similar phrase in her play 'The Women' in 1936.
Is “No good deed goes unpunished” common in everyday conversation?
"No good deed goes unpunished" is a fairly common proverb in everyday conversation. It is often used to express frustration or resignation when someone's good intentions result in negative outcomes.
What tone does “No good deed goes unpunished” have?
"No good deed goes unpunished" conveys a tone of irony and resignation. It suggests that despite our best intentions, things don't always turn out as we hope or expect.
Can “No good deed goes unpunished” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "no good deed goes unpunished" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It is a well-known proverb that can be used in various contexts to convey the idea of unexpected negative consequences.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I offered to help, but "no good deed goes unpunished".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'No good deed goes unpunished!' to express frustration or resignation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- good intentions can backfire
- helping can have unintended consequences
- kindness can be punished
- acts of kindness can lead to trouble
- doing good can bring trouble
Antonyms
- good deeds are rewarded
- kindness is appreciated
- helping leads to positive outcomes
- acts of kindness are recognized and valued
- doing good brings happiness
