One good turn deserves another.
One good turn deserves another.
Meaning in plain English
A helpful act is a reason to respond with kindness or assistance when you can. Mutual generosity can strengthen a relationship without requiring an exact repayment for every favour.
Example
After a neighbour waters their plants during a trip, a resident offers to collect parcels when that neighbour is away the following week.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A good turn is a helpful deed. The saying encourages gratitude to take a practical form rather than remain only a feeling. Someone who has received support may later have a chance to make another person’s task easier. The point is not necessarily to pay back the original helper with an equal transaction. Kindness can be passed on, and circumstances may prevent direct repayment. The proverb works best as an invitation to reciprocity and goodwill, rather than a demand that every favour create a debt or an obligation someone cannot freely refuse.
When to use it
Use it to encourage appreciative, freely offered reciprocity after receiving help.
Keep in mind
A favour should not be used to pressure someone into an unreasonable or unwanted obligation.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 712 · Good Turn
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗