Help others today, and cast your bread upon the waters.
cast one's bread upon the waters
idiomTo perform a kind deed or favor without the motivation of any immediate reward or benefit to oneself, though with the possibility of eventual future return.
Origin
disputed originFrom the Biblical verse “cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1)
She helped the new employee learn the ropes, choosing to cast her bread upon the waters without expecting anything in return.
By investing his time in the community project, he chose to cast his bread upon the waters, trusting that his generosity would eventually yield some unforeseen benefit.
- 01
a little bit of bread and no cheese
Used to represent the song of the yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella).
- 02
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 03
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 04
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 05
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 06
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 07
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 08
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.