“Reap What You Sow” Meaning, Origin and Examples

The idiomatic phrase “you reap what you sow” is a phrase that you will hear or see frequently in conversations and writing. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase, along with the story of its origin. You will also find examples of how to properly use this phrase in everyday conversations/statements and find further examples of other ways to say this phrase while conveying the same meaning.

“Reap What You Sow” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “reap what you sow” means that the consequences of your actions will eventually return to you, whether they are positive or negative. In a broader sense, it implies that the choices you make and the efforts you put into something will determine the outcomes you experience.
Reap What You Sow
Reap What You Sow – Created by 7ESL

“Reap What You Sow” Meaning

The phrase “reap what you sow” means that the actions and decisions a person makes will ultimately determine the consequences they experience in the future. It conveys the idea that positive actions will lead to positive outcomes, while negative actions will result in negative consequences.

Examples:

  • “If you treat people poorly, don’t be surprised when you find yourself alone; you’ll reap what you sow.”
  • “Hard work now will pay off later—remember, you reap what you sow.”

Origin of This Idiomatic Expression

The origin of this idiom dates back to the Bible in Galatians, chapter 6, verse 7, This passage was derived into the shortened phrase that we know today. It compares the things farmers do to crops that grow. Farmers make an effort to plant their crops and have to sow their crops after they grow. The efforts they put forth to grow their crops, ultimately determines how much they sow, or the crop’s yield.

Usage of “Reap What You Sow”

  • In a discussion about relationships:

“She was always helpful to her neighbors, and when she needed assistance, they were there for her. It’s true what they say: you reap what you sow.”

  • Talking about the consequences of actions:

“He didn’t study for the exam, and his poor grade was a reminder that you reap what you sow.”

  • During a conversation about kindness:

“If you want to create a positive work environment, remember that you reap what you sow; your attitude will influence those around you.”

  • In a lesson about responsibility:

“The coach reminded the team that their hard work in practice would pay off during the game, reinforcing the idea that you reap what you sow.”

Related Terms to “Reap What You Sow”

  • What goes around comes around – suggests that one’s actions will eventually return to them, often in a similar manner.
  • You get what you give – indicates that the treatment you extend to others will reflect back on you.
  • Consequences of actions – emphasizes that every action has outcomes that can be positive or negative.
  • Cause and effect – a fundamental principle indicating that every cause has a corresponding effect.
  • Karma – a concept from various Eastern religions that suggests that good or bad actions will return to the individual in kind.
  • Payback – the idea that one will face the consequences of their actions, whether good or bad.
  • Accountability – the obligation to accept responsibility for one’s actions and their outcomes.
  • Life’s lessons – experiences that teach individuals about the results of their choices and actions.
  • Harvest what you plant – a variation that uses agricultural imagery to emphasize the idea of consequences.
  • Sow the seeds of… – a phrase often used to indicate that one is initiating actions that will lead to specific results, good or bad.

Other Ways to Say The Phrase

As the case with most idiomatic phrases, there are numerous ways to say you reap what you sow while still conveying the same message. Some other phrases you could use instead include:

  • You get what you ask for.
  • You get what you deserve.
  • You need to pay for your actions.

“Reap What You Sow” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement in a local newspaper about the arrest of a criminal.

  • “He seemed to be very sorry for his actions, but he still must pay the consequences for his choices. You reap what you sow.”

A statement made by the local high school football captain to their main rivals.

  • “They have been talking trash about our upcoming game all week. I just want them to remember one thing when we are beating them on Monday night. You always reap what you sow.

Examples in Conversations

A conversation between two friends talking about another friend.

  • Friend 1: I can’t believe that Theresa did that without even asking us if it was okay.
  • Friend 2: But she did and now she has to pay the consequences for her decision.
  • Friend 1: You are right. You must reap what you sow.

A conversation between two co-workers in the office.

  • Co-worker 1: We should have never covered up the mistake that Jill made.
  • Co-worker 2: No we shouldn’t have, but we did and we can’t change it now.
  • Co-worker 1: I know, but now we will all be forced to reap what you sow.
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