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Etymology Journal ยท W

What goes around comes around

Meaning

A philosophical reminder that our actions eventually have consequences that return to us. It is often used to describe karma in a direct, simple way.

Wise, cautionary

Used in a sentence

  • He cheated everyone and now he has no friends left. What goes around comes around.
  • Just keep being kind to people. What goes around comes around.
  • You should have thought about the consequences before you acted. What goes around comes around.

The backstory

This is a classic proverb about the cyclical nature of life. Its roots are deep in many cultures and it is a staple of moral storytelling in American folklore.

Heard in

Nationwide

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