# do well by doing good

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/do-well-by-doing-good
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- They do well by doing good in their local community.
- You do well by doing good when you help your neighbors.
- The honest shopkeeper manages to do well by doing good.
- The company grew its profits significantly because it chose to do well by doing good for the environment.
- The small bakery attracts many loyal customers because they do well by doing good through their daily bread donations to the homeless shelter.
- Investors often choose this fund because it aims to do well by doing good, focusing only on companies that treat their workers fairly.
- The young doctor realized she could do well by doing good after opening a clinic that offers affordable care to low-income families.
- By prioritizing sustainable practices and ethical labor, the entrepreneur proved that a business can truly do well by doing good.

## Origin

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." (unknown)

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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.