What Goes Around Comes Around: Definition, Meaning and Origin

Last Updated on
April 24, 2023

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

What Does 'What Goes Around Comes Around' Mean?

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:

  • It is related to the concept of karma, which is the idea that actions have consequences.
  • It implies that both good and bad actions will have consequences, often similar in nature.

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.

Where Does 'What Goes Around Comes Around' Come From?

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.

Historical Examples

"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."

10 Examples of 'What Goes Around Comes Around' in Sentences

  • He treated his employees poorly, but when he lost his job, he realized that what goes around comes around.
  • She always helps her neighbors, and when she needs assistance, they are there for her. It's true that what goes around comes around.
  • They say what goes around comes around, so if you're kind to others, you can expect kindness in return.
  • After years of cheating his customers, his business went bankrupt. What goes around comes around.
  • She donated a large sum to charity, and later, she received an unexpected inheritance. What goes around comes around, indeed.
  • He always held grudges and never forgave others, but when he needed forgiveness, he realized what goes around comes around.
  • She volunteered at the animal shelter every week and later found the perfect pet for her family there. It's a great example of what goes around comes around.
  • He had a habit of cutting people off in traffic, but when he got into an accident because of someone else's reckless driving, he understood that what goes around comes around.
  • She always made an effort to be environmentally conscious, and her actions inspired others in her community. What goes around comes around, and her good deeds made a difference.
  • After years of exploiting his employees, he was eventually demoted and replaced by someone who treated them better. What goes around comes around,after all.

Examples of 'What Goes Around Comes Around' in Pop Culture

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:

  • The 2006 song "What Goes Around... Comes Around" by Justin Timberlake tells the story of a broken relationship and the consequences of betrayal.
  • The 2021 action movie "What Goes Around Comes Around" is another example of the use of the phrase in popular culture. The film, directed by Michael Carter, explores the consequences of a single event that dramatically impacts the lives of three best friends.

Other Ways to Say 'What Goes Around Comes Around'

There are several other expressions that convey a similar meaning to 'What Goes Around Comes Around.' Some of these include:

  • As you sow, so shall you reap
  • You reap what you sow
  • Karma's a boomerang
  • Every action has an equal and opposite reaction

10 Frequently Asked Questions About 'What Goes Around Comes Around':

1. What is the meaning of 'What Goes Around Comes Around'?

The idiom means that one's actions or behavior will eventually have consequences, often similar in nature to the actions themselves.

2. Where does the idiom 'What Goes Around Comes Around' come from?

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.

3. Are there other expressions similar to 'What Goes Around Comes Around'?

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."

4. Can 'What Goes Around Comes Around' be used in a positive context?

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.

5. Is 'What Goes Around Comes Around' only used in English?

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.

6. How do I use 'What Goes Around Comes Around' in a sentence?

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."

7. Can 'What Goes Around Comes Around' be used to describe situations unrelated to people?

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.

8. Is 'What Goes Around Comes Around' always true?

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.

9. How has 'What Goes Around Comes Around' influenced popular culture?

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.

10. Is 'What Goes Around Comes Around' related to any religious beliefs?

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.

Summary and Conclusion

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.

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