The idiom 'What Goes Around Comes Around' conveys the idea that one's actions or behavior, whether good or bad, will eventually have consequences, often similar in nature.
In short:
What Goes Around Comes Around' means that the consequences of one's actions will eventually come back to them
The idiom 'What Goes Around Comes Around' is often used to emphasize the concept of karma or the belief that actions have consequences. It implies that if a person treats others well, they will also be treated well, and if they treat others poorly, they will eventually face negative consequences. Here are some key aspects of the idiom's meaning:
While the idiom is often used in a negative context, it can also be applied to positive situations where someone's good deeds are rewarded.
The origin of the idiom 'What Goes Around Comes Around' is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be rooted in the ancient belief of karma, which originated in India. The concept of karma is found in various religious and philosophical traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It suggests that one's actions in this life will have consequences in future lives.
"As you sow, so shall you reap."
This biblical proverb, found in Galatians 6:7, conveys a similar meaning and is often considered a precursor to the modern idiom. The phrase has evolved over time, and the modern version, 'What Goes Around Comes Around,' is now widely used in popular culture and everyday language.
"No one can say why Donald Goines and Shirley Sailor were murdered. The ghetto philosophy, ‘what goes around comes around,’ is the only answer most people can give."
The phrase "what goes around comes around" is believed to have been Black American penitentiary lingo in the 1970s and is an expression of karma or fate. The earliest appearance of the quote in print can be traced back to 1974 in Eddie Stone's book, "Donald Writes No More."
Many movies, TV shows, and songs feature the concept of 'What Goes Around Comes Around,' often highlighting the consequences of a character's actions. Some examples include:
There are several other expressions that convey a similar meaning to 'What Goes Around Comes Around.' Some of these include:
The idiom means that one's actions or behavior will eventually have consequences, often similar in nature to the actions themselves.
Its origin is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be rooted in the ancient belief of karma, which originated in India and is found in various religious and philosophical traditions.
Yes, some similar expressions include "As you sow, so shall you reap," "You reap what you sow," "Karma's a boomerang," and "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction."
Yes, the idiom can also be applied to positive situations where someone's good deeds are rewarded, implying that their kindness and generosity will come back to them.
While the phrase itself is unique to English, the concept of karma and the idea that actions have consequences are found in various languages and cultures around the world.
You can use the idiom in a sentence to emphasize the consequences of a person's actions or behavior, either in a negative or positive context. For example: "He always cheated on his tests, but when he failed the final exam, he realized that what goes around comes around."
While the idiom is typically used in reference to people and their actions, it can also be applied to situations where actions or decisions have consequences, such as environmental or economic issues.
While the idiom suggests that actions have consequences, real-life situations can be more complex, and it may not always be true that one's actions lead to similar outcomes. However, the idiom serves as a reminder to consider the potential consequences of one's actions.
The idiom has been featured in various movies, TV shows, and songs, often highlighting the consequences of a character's actions or the concept of karma.
The idiom is related to the concept of karma, which is found in various religious and philosophical traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. However, the modern usage of the idiom is generally secular and not tied to any specific religious belief.
The saying 'What Goes Around Comes Around' simply means that whatever you do, good or bad, will eventually come back to you in some way. It's connected to the old idea of karma and pops up all the time in everyday conversations and pop culture. By understanding the meaning and origins of this idiom, we can better appreciate its significance and incorporate it into our conversations and writing.
