Good deed

[Melay]

What does the phase "No good deed goes unpunished" mean?

[New Forester]

I don't know the origin, but I've heard it used as an ironic acknowledgement that life is unfair. It's like when I say about my dog (if I had one) "A word from me and he does as he likes!", or "It's turned out nice again!" when it's pouring with rain. I think it was Ogden Nash who put a similar sentiment into a poem (as well as I can remember): The rain it raineth on the just, And on the unjust fella. But mostly on the just because The unjust's nicked the just's umbrella. (I think this is a distortion of a biblical quote)

[Quizmonster]

The quote is from Clare Boothe Luce (1903 - 1987), the well-known American editor, playwright and journalist. In addition, she was a Congresswoman and a US Ambassador...a lady of many parts, you might say.

The idea behind it is that - even if what you've done is praiseworthy - somebody will probably decry you for it. An example might be a 'friend' you lent money to who becomes an 'enemy' when you eventually ask for it to be returned.

[nirvanafarma]

It means when you take the trouble to post replies and get no response.