cast one's bread upon the waters
To 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.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Help others today, and cast your bread upon the waters.”
“You cast your bread upon the waters when you share your tools with neighbors.”
“I cast my bread upon the waters by volunteering at the local animal shelter.”
“She helped the new employee learn the ropes, choosing to cast her bread upon the waters without expecting anything in return.”
“The retired teacher spent her weekends tutoring local kids for free, happy to cast her bread upon the waters for the next generation.”
“He often gives free advice to young entrepreneurs, believing that if he casts his bread upon the waters, the industry will improve for everyone.”
“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.”
From the Biblical verse Ecclesiastes 11:1, "cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."
- 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.
Last updated August 10, 2026