no good deed goes unpunished
Kindness invites trouble
A sardonic proverb meaning that acts of kindness or generosity often backfire, bringing trouble to the person who meant well.
The saying captures a cynical view of human nature—that helping others invites complications, ingratitude, or unexpected consequences: I volunteered to organize the fundraiser, and now I'm stuck doing it every year. No good deed goes unpunished.
- self-sacrificeSurrendering for others' benefit
- social normsShared behavioral expectations
- altruismPrioritizing others' wellbeing
- tragic heroCharacter whose flaw causes ruin
- backlashStrong negative reaction
good intentions · irony · guilt · gratitude · satire · aphorism · envy · crying foul · resentment · betrayal · exploitation · unintended consequences · bitter pill · justice · empathy · trust · reciprocity · fairness
no good deed goes unpunishedwhat goes around comes around
Actions have matching consequences
unpunished, goodness, punish, punished, punishing, punishment, punisher, punitive