- A proverb meaning that a person's actions, whether good or bad, will eventually have consequences for them. It suggests a cycle of cause and effect, often implying cosmic justice or karma.
Explanation
Origin
- This is a folk proverb, likely evolving over centuries from observations about reciprocity and consequences in human interactions.
- The circular imagery (goes around, comes around) emphasizes the idea that actions return to the originator.
- It reflects a widespread belief in balance and justice, found in many cultures and philosophical traditions.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Payback's a bitch. (Focuses specifically on negative retribution)
- It'll come back to bite you. (Warning about future negative consequences)
- Instant karma. (When consequences are immediate)
Milder/Philosophical:
- Actions have consequences.
- Life has a way of balancing itself.
- Cause and effect.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most informal and semi-formal situations when discussing events and their outcomes.
- Can sound a bit preachy or fatalistic depending on the context.
- Generally acceptable in professional settings when discussing general principles, but avoid using it to comment directly on a colleague's misfortune in a gloating way.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood, but the fatalistic aspect might be missed. It's not just about literal circling, but about the *consequences* of actions returning to the actor.
Examples
- He cheated his business partners, and now his own company is failing. What goes around comes around.
- She's always helping others, and people were so supportive when she needed help. What goes around comes around.
- Don't gossip about people; what goes around comes around. (Used as a warning)
Dialogue
Sarah: I heard Mark got fired for spreading rumours about the boss.
David: Really? Well, he was always talking behind people's backs. What goes around comes around, I guess.
Sarah: Yeah, you can't act like that and expect no consequences.
Social Media Examples
- Post about someone known for bad behavior facing hardship: What goes around comes around. Just saying. #karma
- Comment on a story about a kind person receiving unexpected help: This is lovely! Proof that what goes around comes around. ❤️
- Tweet: Remember to be kind online. You never know when you'll need support. What goes around comes around.
Response Patterns
- Agreement: That's true. / You got that right. / Indeed.
- Reflection: I suppose so. / It does seem that way sometimes.
- Adding detail: Yeah, he had it coming. / She deserves the good things happening to her.
- Skepticism: If only that were always true.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Someone might ask for more details about the situation being discussed (What did he do exactly? or How did things turn out for her?).
- The conversation might shift to other examples of karma or consequences.
- The person hearing it might reflect on their own actions.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually used as a comment on a specific situation or as a piece of wisdom in response to events.
Intonation
- Often said with a knowing, slightly detached, or philosophical tone.
- Stress usually falls on goes, round, comes, and the final round.
- Example: What GOES aROUND COMES aROUND.
Generation Differences
- A very common and widely understood proverb across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Used universally in English-speaking countries.