pay it forward
Chain of kindness
Pay it forward means to respond to a kindness by helping someone else rather than repaying the original benefactor.
The idea is that good deeds ripple outward through a chain of strangers: Someone paid for my coffee, so I'm paying it forward.
The phrase gained currency from a 2000 film but describes an older concept of generalized reciprocity.
- doorHinged room barrier
- smilePleased facial expression
- stranger dangerCaution toward unknown individuals
- ripple effectCascading secondary results
- lunchMidday meal
mutual aid · altruism · golden rule · generosity · coffee · drive thru · sandwich · selflessness · groceries · gift card · surprise gift · kindness · helping hand · free coffee · handshake · good deed · moral obligation · integrity
- helpingaid, assist, give a hand, help, helping hand
- money customstipping, gratuity, gratuities, tip jar, splitting the bill
- philanthropydonations, charity work, donate, give, giving
- givinggift, give, donating, donation, donate
- payingpay, pay up, pay out, pay off, foot the bill
- pep talkskeep going, you got this, hang in there, keep pushing, believe in yourself
pay it forwardpay it back
return the favor · reciprocate · quid pro quo · tit for tat · even the score
pay it forwardhoard
Hidden accumulated valuables
freeload · stinginess · ingratitude · withhold · selfishness
forward, paid, paying, payable, payment, payments, payer, payers, payees