The idiom “Evil pursuits bring bad reputation” means:
✔ Engaging in unethical or immoral activities will eventually damage your reputation (अनैतिक या अमानवीय गतिविधियों में भाग लेना अंततः आपकी प्रतिष्ठा को नुकसान पहुँचाएगा)
✔ Actions of wrongdoing or mischief will make people see you in a negative light (गलत कामों या शरारतों से लोग आपको नकारात्मक दृष्टिकोण से देखेंगे)
✔ Engaging in evil or harmful pursuits leads to a tarnished reputation that is hard to repair (बुरे कामों में लिप्त होने से प्रतिष्ठा पर दाग लगता है, जिसे सुधारना मुश्किल होता है)
This phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining a good reputation and the consequences of engaging in bad behavior.
Hindi Equivalent:
“बुरे काम से बदनामी” (Bad deeds lead to disgrace)
“गलत कार्यों से नाम खराब होता है” (Wrongdoing leads to a bad name)
“बुरा काम कभी अच्छा नहीं होता” (Bad deeds are never good)
Detailed Explanation
This idiom is used when:
✔ Describing someone whose actions or behavior are damaging their public image
✔ Warning against unethical or immoral pursuits
✔ Reflecting on how the consequences of bad behavior are often long-lasting and impactful on one’s reputation
Common contexts: Personal conduct, professional ethics, social reputation, warning against bad behavior
Real-Life Examples
Corruption in Politics
English: “The politician’s involvement in the scandal will ruin his career. Evil pursuits bring bad reputation.”
Hindi: “राजनीतिज्ञ का घोटाले में शामिल होना उसके करियर को बर्बाद कर देगा। बुरे काम से बदनामी।”
Dishonesty in Business
English: “He may think he is getting away with cheating customers, but evil pursuits bring bad reputation.”
Hindi: “उसे लग सकता है कि वह ग्राहकों को धोखा देकर बच रहा है, लेकिन बुरे काम से बदनामी।”
Immoral Personal Choices
English: “Her involvement in the scandal tarnished her image. Evil pursuits bring bad reputation.”
Hindi: “उसका घोटाले में शामिल होना उसकी छवि को खराब कर गया। बुरे काम से बदनामी।”
Psychological & Social Insight
Why This Phrase Matters:
✓ Highlights the importance of reputation in both personal and professional life
✓ Serves as a moral reminder about the long-term consequences of unethical behavior
✓ Encourages individuals to avoid dishonesty and corruption in order to maintain a good standing in society
When to Use This Phrase:
✔ To describe someone whose actions have caused harm to their reputation
✔ To warn against engaging in immoral or unethical activities
✔ In discussions about the importance of personal integrity and the consequences of misdeeds
Usage Tips
✔ Use it to emphasize the consequences of bad behavior, especially in social or professional settings
✔ It is best used in a cautionary tone to discourage unethical actions
✔ Be careful not to sound too judgmental or harsh when discussing someone’s reputation, as this can lead to defensiveness
Similar Expressions
| English | Hindi |
|---|---|
| “A bad reputation is hard to shake off” | “बुरी प्रतिष्ठा को दूर करना मुश्किल होता है” |
| “You reap what you sow” | “जो बोते हो वही काटते हो” |
| “Live by the sword, die by the sword” | “जो दूसरों के साथ करता है, वही उसके साथ होता है” |
Cultural Perspectives
Western View: The phrase is often used to stress the idea that one’s reputation, once damaged, is hard to restore, especially when it is caused by unethical or immoral actions
Indian Context: Reputation is highly valued in Indian society, and actions that bring shame or dishonor to one’s family or community are viewed very seriously
Global Relevance: The idea of reputation and its importance is universally recognized, as cultures around the world value personal integrity and public image
Reflection Questions:
- Have you ever seen someone’s reputation suffer due to their actions?
- How do you protect your reputation in both your personal and professional life?
- Why is reputation so important in today’s society?