# cast one's bread upon the waters

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cast-ones-bread-upon-the-waters
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

From the Biblical verse Ecclesiastes 11:1, "cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.