The idiom “Evil cannot prosper forever” means: Wrongdoings or bad actions may succeed temporarily, but they cannot last in the long run (बुरी क्रियाएँ या गलत काम अस्थायी रूप से सफल हो सकते हैं, लेकिन लंबे समय में वे नहीं चल सकते)
Goodness and justice will eventually prevail over evil (अच्छाई और न्याय अंततः बुराई पर जीत हासिल करते हैं)
Evil forces or intentions are unsustainable and will eventually face consequences (बुरी शक्तियाँ या इरादे स्थायी नहीं होते, और अंततः उन्हें परिणाम भुगतने पड़ते हैं)
This phrase is often used to encourage hope and perseverance, reminding people that despite the apparent success of evil, it cannot last forever.
Hindi Equivalent:
“बुराई हमेशा नहीं चलती” (Evil never lasts)
“अच्छाई अंततः बुराई को हराती है” (Good ultimately defeats evil)
“सच्चाई की जीत होती है” (Truth wins in the end)
Detailed Explanation
This idiom is used when: Describing how unethical or harmful actions can only succeed for a limited time
Offering encouragement or hope in the face of injustice or wrongdoings
Reminding others that time and circumstances will eventually reveal the truth and bring justice
Common contexts: Political struggles, moral lessons, fights against injustice, stories of triumph over evil
Real-Life Examples
Political Corruption
English: “The corrupt politicians may seem to be winning for now, but remember, evil cannot prosper forever.”
Hindi: “भ्रष्ट राजनेता अब जीतते हुए लग सकते हैं, लेकिन याद रखना, बुराई हमेशा नहीं चलती।”
Injustice in Society
English: “The rich may use their power to suppress the poor, but evil cannot prosper forever. Change will come.”
Hindi: “अमीर लोग गरीबों को दबाने के लिए अपनी ताकत का इस्तेमाल कर सकते हैं, लेकिन बुराई हमेशा नहीं चलती। बदलाव जरूर आएगा।”
Personal Struggles
English: “Though he has been cheating his way through life, he will eventually face the consequences. Evil cannot prosper forever.”
Hindi: “हालाँकि वह जीवन में धोखा दे रहा है, वह अंततः परिणामों का सामना करेगा। बुराई हमेशा नहीं चलती।”
Psychological & Social Insight
Why This Phrase Matters:
✓ Reinforces the belief in justice and moral righteousness
✓ Provides hope in the face of adversity, especially when people face wrongdoing
✓ Encourages perseverance in the fight against evil or injustice
When to Use This Phrase: When you see people getting away with wrongdoing, but you want to express hope for justice
To remind others that good things will eventually happen, even if things seem unfair right now
In situations where injustice or evil appears to be succeeding, but you want to encourage belief in eventual victory
Usage Tips Use it to inspire optimism and confidence when facing difficult or unjust situations
It is often used in personal or social contexts where hope and perseverance are needed
Be cautious when using it in sensitive situations where someone may feel defeated or discouraged
Similar Expressions
English | Hindi |
---|---|
“What goes around, comes around” | “जो बोते हो, वही काटते हो” |
“The truth will out” | “सच्चाई सामने आएगी” |
“Good things come to those who wait” | “अच्छे लोगों के लिए अच्छे अवसर आते हैं” |
Cultural Perspectives
Western View: This idiom is often used in legal, moral, or social contexts to express hope that justice will prevail in the end
Indian Context: The concept of karma and the eventual triumph of good over evil is deeply ingrained in Indian culture and philosophy
Global Relevance: The idea that good will ultimately triumph over evil is universally recognized across cultures and religions
Reflection Questions:
- Can you think of a time when you saw injustice prevail, but later justice was done?
- How do you maintain faith in the eventual triumph of good over evil?
- When have you been inspired by stories of justice overcoming wrongdoings?