Definice a Význam "not do (any) evil that good may come (out) of it"

not do (any) evil that good may come (out) of it

VĚTA

to avoid doing something bad or unethical for the sake of achieving something good

{not} [do] (any|) evil that good (may|might|) come (out|) of it definition and meaning

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "not do evil that good come out of it" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "not do any evil that good come out of it" can be traced back to ethical and moral principles, often associated with religious teachings. It reflects the idea that one should not engage in wrongful or unethical actions, even if they believe that such actions might lead to a positive outcome or result in a greater good. This moral principle has been a part of various ethical and philosophical traditions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's integrity and ethical standards, even in challenging situations.

Example

She refused to lie on the witness stand, even though it might have helped her case.

The company chose not to cut corners on safety regulations, following the principle of not doing any evil that good might come from saving time and money.