what goes around

USAGE SUMMARY

"what goes around" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically suggests that what you do (good or bad) will come back to you. For example, you might say, "Remember, what goes around comes around; so be kind to others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What goes around, comes around.

The New York Times - Sports

What goes around, etc".

The Guardian

"What goes around, comes around," he said.

The New York Times

I think what goes around comes around.

Harvard University

But what goes around comes around.

The Guardian

What goes around comes around, eventually.

The Guardian - Sport

I guess what goes around comes around".

The New York Times

"What goes around comes around," Lore said.

The Guardian - Business

"In politics, what goes around, comes around.

The New York Times

Also, what goes around comes around.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sort of a what-goes-around-comes-around thing.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what goes around" to illustrate the principle of karma or reciprocal consequences in a concise and memorable way. It's effective for summarizing situations where actions lead to predictable repercussions.

Common error

Avoid assuming immediate payback. "What goes around" often refers to long-term or eventual consequences, not necessarily instant reactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what goes around" functions as a standalone idiom. It encapsulates the concept of reciprocal consequences, serving as a succinct way to express that actions have corresponding repercussions. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"What goes around" is a widely recognized idiom that encapsulates the concept of reciprocal consequences. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. Its meaning is consistently applied, serving as a concise expression of karmic justice or inevitable repercussions. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informal and is often used to offer a moral commentary or express a belief in justice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what comes around, goes around

The phrase is a reversal of the original phrase.

karma will get you

This alternative is a more direct expression of karmic retribution.

you reap what you sow

This alternative uses agricultural imagery to emphasize the connection between actions and their consequences.

chickens come home to roost

This alternative suggests that negative actions will eventually have negative consequences.

what you give is what you get

This alternative focuses on the direct reciprocity of actions and their outcomes.

turnabout is fair play

This alternative implies that reciprocal actions, especially retaliatory ones, are justified.

you get back what you put out

This alternative emphasizes that the energy and effort you invest will determine the results you receive.

every action has an equal and opposite reaction

This alternative uses a scientific principle to explain the concept of reciprocal consequences.

tit for tat

This alternative describes a strategy of direct retaliation, where actions are met with similar responses.

as you give, so shall you receive

This alternative suggests a balanced exchange between giving and receiving.

FAQs

How can I use "what goes around" in a sentence?

You can use "what goes around" to illustrate that actions, whether positive or negative, will eventually return to the person who initiated them. For example, "He cheated on his taxes, but what goes around, comes around, and he eventually got audited."

What does "what goes around" mean?

The phrase "what goes around" is an idiom that means a person's actions, whether good or bad, will eventually have consequences for them. It implies a sense of karmic justice or reciprocal outcomes.

Is "what goes around" the same as "you reap what you sow"?

While both express the idea that actions have consequences, "what goes around" is a more general statement about reciprocal outcomes. "You reap what you sow" /s/you+reap+what+you+sow specifically refers to the consequences of one's efforts or actions, often in a more direct or tangible way.

Can "what goes around" be used in a positive context?

Yes, although often used to describe negative consequences, "what goes around" can also apply to positive actions. For instance, "She always volunteers her time, believing that what goes around, comes around, and her kindness will be repaid."