ENGLISH
REFERENCE

do well by doing good

idiom
Meaning

To achieve social acceptance or financial success as a result of behaving in a benevolent or charitable manner.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

The origin is unknown; in use since the mid-20th century. Although the phrase is sometimes attributed to Benjamin Franklin, the earliest documented usage is from Tom Lehrer's 1953 novelty song "The Old Dope Peddler."

Examples
SIMPLE

They do well by doing good in their local community.

CONTEXTUAL

The company grew its profits significantly because it chose to do well by doing good for the environment.

COMPLEX

By prioritizing sustainable practices and ethical labor, the entrepreneur proved that a business can truly do well by doing good.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a good deal

    Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.

  2. 02

    all good

    It's all good.

  3. 03

    all very well

    All right to a certain extent, but problematic beyond that, or for other people.

  4. 04

    as well

    In addition; also.

  5. 05

    but good

    To a high degree; very thoroughly; in a most definite manner.

  6. 06

    come from a good place

    To be motivated by decency, kindness, or good intentions.

  7. 07

    deal a good hand

    To assign favorable circumstances in life to someone.

  8. 08

    do well for oneself

    To thrive or succeed.

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