pave the road to hell
To lead to a disaster by acting with good intentions.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Good intentions often pave the road to hell.”
“He tried to help his friend, but his interference only paved the road to hell.”
“While the policy was designed to foster equality, its unintended consequences paved the road to hell for the local economy.”
From the proverb the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
- 01
all hell breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 02
all over hell's half acre
All over the place; everywhere.
- 03
all roads lead to Rome
Different paths can take one to the same goal.
- 04
bump in the road
A setback or obstacle, especially one which is relatively minor.
- 05
catch hell
To be severely reprimanded, punished, or beaten.
- 06
cold day in Hell
The time of occurrence of an event that will never happen.
- 07
come hell or high water
Regardless of the hardships; no matter what difficulties may arise.
- 08
down the road, not across the street
Of the technique for committing suicide, along the radial artery rather than across the wrist from side to side.
Last updated August 10, 2026