What does “Road to hell is paved with good intentions” mean?
"The road to hell is paved with good intentions" means that even though someone may have good intentions or mean well, their actions can still have negative consequences.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He thought he was helping, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Example
She had good intentions, but her actions led to disaster. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Example
They meant well, but sometimes the road to hell is paved with good intentions
Is “Road to hell is paved with good intentions” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Road to hell is paved with good intentions” 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 “Road to hell is paved with good intentions” effectively in context?
You can use "Road to hell is paved with good intentions" to caution someone about the potential negative outcomes of their actions, despite their good intentions. For example, if a friend is planning to help someone without considering the possible consequences, you might say, 'Remember, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.'
- 1Relationships
He thought he was helping, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
- 2Mistakes
She had good intentions, but her actions led to disaster. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
- 3Misunderstandings
They meant well, but sometimes the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Similar phrases to “Road to hell is paved with good intentions”:
Similar to 'Road to hell is paved with good intentions', it means that even though someone may have good intentions, their actions can still lead to negative outcomes.
Example
She wanted to help, but the path to disaster is often paved with good intentions.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Road to hell is paved with good intentions” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Road to hell is paved with good intentions" is unknown.
Is “Road to hell is paved with good intentions” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Road to hell is paved with good intentions" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. It serves as a reminder to consider the potential negative consequences of one's actions, even if they have good intentions.
What tone does “Road to hell is paved with good intentions” have?
"Road to hell is paved with good intentions" conveys a cautionary tone. It warns against blindly following good intentions without considering the potential harm that may result.
Can “Road to hell is paved with good intentions” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Road to hell is paved with good intentions" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It can be used in various contexts, such as personal conversations, professional discussions, or even in writing.
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, 'He thought he was helping, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.'
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- good intentions can lead to bad results
- intentions don't always lead to positive outcomes
- the road to disaster is paved with good intentions
- meaning well doesn't guarantee success
- good intentions can backfire
Antonyms
- good intentions lead to positive outcomes
- meaning well guarantees success
- intentions always have good results
- the road to success is paved with good intentions
- good intentions never go wrong
