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The phrase “no rest for the wicked” is commonly used in everyday conversation, but its true meaning and origin can be a mystery. In this reference, you will learn about the origins of this saying and explore examples of how it can be used in conversation. You’ll also find alternative phrases that carry a similar meaning.
No Rest for The Wicked Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The phrase “no rest for the wicked” means that those who do wrong or engage in immoral behavior will not find peace or relief. In modern usage, it is often used humorously or ironically to suggest that someone has a lot of work to do and can’t take a break, even if they haven’t done anything wrong.
No Rest for The Wicked Meaning
The phrase “no rest for the wicked” means that people who are engaged in wrongdoing, mischief, or immoral activities will not find peace or rest. It suggests that those who behave badly will face ongoing consequences, challenges, or obligations that prevent them from relaxing or taking a break.
In modern usage, it is often said humorously or ironically to express the idea that someone has a lot of work to do and can’t take a break, regardless of their moral behavior.
Origin of this Idiom
The idiomatic phrase ‘no rest for the wicked’ originally came from the book of Isaiah in the Bible and originally read as ‘no peace for the wicked.’
Usage of “No Rest for The Wicked”
- Busy Work Schedule:
- “I have back-to-back meetings all day. No rest for the wicked!”
- (Used humorously to express that there’s no time to relax because of a busy schedule.)
- Chores and Errands:
- “Just finished cleaning the house, and now I have to cook dinner. No rest for the wicked.”
- (Ironically suggests that there’s always something to do.)
- Constant Responsibilities:
- “Between taking care of the kids and managing my job, it feels like there’s no rest for the wicked.”
- (Used lightheartedly to convey that there’s no break from responsibilities.)
- Facing Consequences:
- “He thought he could get away with it, but there’s no rest for the wicked.”
- (Implying that someone who does wrong will eventually face consequences.)
The phrase is often used to playfully complain about having too much work or not being able to relax, even if there’s nothing actually “wicked” about the situation.
Related Terms to “No Rest for The Wicked”
- Burning the midnight oil – Working late into the night without rest.
- Busy as a bee – Constantly active and hard at work.
- No peace for the weary – Even those who are tired do not get a break.
- Always on the go – Continuously busy or active, without a break.
- Round-the-clock – Constantly or continuously, without stopping.
- Endless toil – Continuous hard work without respite.
- No time to breathe – Being so busy that there is no time for rest.
- Constant hustle – Nonstop effort or activity.
- Grind never stops – Working tirelessly, without a break.
- Perpetual motion – Always moving or active, with no rest.
Other Ways to Say the Phrase
There are many other ways in which you can express the meaning of the term ‘no rest for the wicked.’
Here are some examples of other things you could say in its place.
- All work and no play
- The workload never ends
“No Rest for The Wicked” Examples
Examples in Statements
This is a statement made in an advertisement for a day spa.
- ‘Do you ever feel as though there is no rest for the wicked? Then come and spend a relaxing day with us and cool off.’
Here is a statement made from someone in the workplace.
- ‘I have so many jobs to do but then there is no rest for the wicked.’
Conversation Examples
If you are curious to see how the term ‘no rest for the wicked’ would fit into a conversation, here are some examples of what you might hear.
The first conversation is between a husband and wife.
- Person 1: “You are doing so much overtime at work just recently.”
- Person 2: “I have to, there is so much to do.”
- Person 1: “You need to take it easy.”
- Person 2: “There is no rest for the wicked.”
Here is a conversation which is happening between two friends.
- Person 1: ” I haven’t seen much of Dave recently, have you?”
- Person 2: “No, but he has been working every day as well as taking care of his sick daughter.”
- Person 1: “Oh dear, there is no rest for the wicked.”
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