Evil Gotten, Evil Spent – गलत कमाई, गलत खर्च

The idiom “Evil gotten, evil spent” means:
Money or wealth gained through dishonest or immoral means will eventually be spent or lost in equally bad ways (जो धन या संपत्ति गलत तरीके से कमाई जाती है, वह अंततः गलत तरीकों से खर्च हो जाती है)
Ill-gotten gains are unsustainable and will eventually lead to misfortune or loss (गलत तरीके से कमाई गई संपत्ति अस्थिर होती है और अंततः दुर्भाग्य या हानि का कारण बनती है)
Using dishonest means to acquire wealth may seem rewarding in the short term, but it never leads to long-term success or happiness (धन कमाने के लिए गलत तरीके से काम करना तात्कालिक रूप से फायदेमंद लग सकता है, लेकिन यह कभी भी दीर्घकालिक सफलता या खुशी की ओर नहीं बढ़ता)

This phrase emphasizes the idea that dishonest gains often result in consequences, and the cycle of immorality does not lead to lasting prosperity.

Hindi Equivalent:
“गलत कमाई, गलत खर्च” (Evil earnings, evil expenditures)
“जिन्होंने गलत तरीके से कमाया, वह गलत तरीके से खर्च करते हैं” (Those who earn through dishonest means, spend through dishonest means)
“धन की चोरी, कभी सुख नहीं देती” (Stolen wealth never brings happiness)

Detailed Explanation
This idiom is used when:
Describing the consequences of earning money through dishonest means
Warning people that ill-gotten wealth leads to eventual misfortune
Reflecting on how the use of dishonest means to achieve success does not result in long-term prosperity

Common contexts: Corruption, financial mismanagement, unethical business practices, and moral lessons

Real-Life Examples

Corrupt Politician
English: “The corrupt businessman might have made a fortune, but it won’t last. Evil gotten, evil spent.”
Hindi: “भ्रष्ट व्यवसायी ने शायद एक भाग्य कमाया है, लेकिन यह नहीं टिकेगा। गलत कमाई, गलत खर्च।”

Financial Mismanagement
English: “He won the lottery but spent it all on gambling. Evil gotten, evil spent.”
Hindi: “उसने लॉटरी जीती, लेकिन सब कुछ जुआ में खर्च कर दिया। गलत कमाई, गलत खर्च।”

Dishonest Dealings
English: “She got rich by cheating people, but now she’s lost everything. Evil gotten, evil spent.”
Hindi: “वह लोगों को धोखा देकर अमीर हुई, लेकिन अब उसने सब कुछ खो दिया। गलत कमाई, गलत खर्च।”

Psychological & Social Insight

Why This Phrase Matters:
✓ Teaches the moral lesson that dishonest wealth never brings true happiness
✓ Highlights the unsustainability of unethical financial gains
✓ Serves as a reminder of the eventual consequences of corruption or dishonesty

When to Use This Phrase:
When you witness someone who has earned money through unethical means and is now facing consequences
To warn against dishonest ways of acquiring wealth
In discussions about the value of integrity and hard work over shortcuts

Usage Tips
Often used in discussions about morality and ethical decision-making
It’s best used in a cautionary tone to discourage dishonest actions
Be careful not to come off as accusatory or judgmental in sensitive situations

Similar Expressions

English	Hindi
“What comes around, goes around”	“जो बोता है, वही काटता है”
“Easy come, easy go”	“आसान से मिलना, उतनी जल्दी खो देना”
“Ill-gotten gains never last”	“गलत कमाई का कोई भविष्य नहीं होता”

Cultural Perspectives
Western View: Often used in legal and moral contexts to reflect on the consequences of corruption or dishonesty
Indian Context: Tied to the concept of karma, where immoral actions lead to negative consequences, and dharma, which emphasizes the importance of ethical living
Global Relevance: This idea of the temporary nature of dishonest gains is a universal concept found across various cultures and philosophies

Reflection Questions:

• Can you recall a time when dishonesty led to loss or misfortune for someone?
• How do you ensure that you are earning and spending in ethical ways?
• What lessons can be learned from the consequences of ill-gotten wealth?