What does “The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions.” mean?
"The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions" means that a well-intentioned plan or action can have negative consequences if it is poorly executed or based on flawed assumptions.
What context can I use the in?
Example
They thought they were doing the right thing, but the way to hell is paved with good intentions. Their actions ended up causing more harm than good.
Example
Sometimes, people have the best of intentions, but the way to hell is paved with good intentions. Their good intentions can lead to disastrous outcomes.
Example
It's important to remember that the way to hell is paved with good intentions. Just because someone has good intentions doesn't mean their actions will have positive results
Is “The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“The way (the 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 “The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions.” effectively in context?
You can use "The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions" to caution against blindly relying on good intentions without considering the potential negative consequences. Here are three distinct situations where you can effectively use this phrase:
- 1Relationships
He thought buying an expensive gift would make her happy, but the way to hell is paved with good intentions. She felt overwhelmed and misunderstood.
- 2Politics
The politician promised to bring about positive change, but the way to hell is paved with good intentions. Their policies ended up causing more harm than good.
- 3Business
The company launched a new product without proper market research, believing it would be a success. However, the way to hell is paved with good intentions. The product failed to meet customer needs and resulted in financial losses.
Similar phrases to “The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions" is uncertain, but it can be traced back to the 11th century. It is believed to have originated from a proverb in Latin, 'Inferno est ad pavimentum bonorum voluntatum.' The phrase emphasizes the idea that good intentions alone are not enough; actions and execution matter as well.
Is “The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions" is relatively common in everyday conversation. It is often used to highlight the importance of thoughtful planning and execution, rather than relying solely on good intentions.
What tone does “The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions.” have?
"The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions" conveys a cautionary tone. It serves as a reminder that good intentions alone are not enough and that one must consider the potential negative consequences of their actions.
Can “The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "The way (the road) to hell is paved with good intentions" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that conveys a universal message. You can use it in various contexts, such as conversations with friends, debates, or even in professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They thought they were doing the right thing, but the way to hell is paved with good intentions.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, the way to hell is paved with good intentions.' to imply the need for careful consideration.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- good intentions are not enough
- intentions are meaningless without action
- beware of good intentions
- well-meaning actions can have negative consequences
- don't rely solely on good intentions
Antonyms
- actions speak louder than intentions
- thoughtful actions lead to positive outcomes
- good intentions can lead to success
- careful planning and execution yield positive results
- consider the potential positive impact of good intentions
