What does “What goes around comes around” mean?
"What goes around comes around" means that the consequences of your actions will eventually catch up to you.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He cheated on his girlfriend, but what goes around comes around and now he's the one getting cheated on.
Example
I always try to treat others with kindness because I believe in the saying what goes around comes around.
Example
She spread rumors about her coworkers, but what goes around comes around and now nobody trusts her
Is “What goes around comes around” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“What goes around comes around” 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 “What goes around comes around” effectively in context?
You can use "What goes around, comes around" to express the idea that the consequences of someone's actions will eventually catch up to them. It implies that if you do something good, good things will happen to you, and if you do something bad, bad things will happen to you. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase:
- 1Relationships
He cheated on his partner, but what goes around, comes around and now he's the one getting cheated on.
- 2Gossip
She spread rumors about her coworkers, but what goes around, comes around and now nobody trusts her.
- 3Stealing
He stole money from his friends, but what goes around, comes around and now he's broke and alone.
Similar phrases to “What goes around comes around”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “What goes around comes around” come from?
The origin of the phrase "What goes around, comes around" is unknown. It is a popular saying that reflects the concept of karma, which is a belief in many cultures that your actions will eventually have consequences.
Is “What goes around comes around” common in everyday conversation?
"What goes around, comes around" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. It is a well-known phrase that conveys the idea of cause and effect or the notion that our actions have consequences.
What tone does “What goes around comes around” have?
"What goes around, comes around" conveys a tone of justice and fairness. It suggests that people will eventually face the consequences of their actions, whether positive or negative.
Can “What goes around comes around” be used in informal and formal settings?
"What goes around, comes around" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that 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 cheated on his partner, but what goes around, comes around.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, what goes around comes around!' to imply the idea of karma.