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?