📖 Meaning
This idiom describes a situation where good intentions are met with blame or resentment instead of gratitude. It means that a kind act results in being treated as an enemy rather than being appreciated. The phrase highlights the unfairness of having one's goodwill turned against them.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Ming Dynasty collection 'Jingshi Tongyan' (Stories to Caution the World), Volume 21, by the renowned writer Feng Menglong. In the original passage, a character laments that she cannot repay her benefactor's kindness and instead tarnishes his good reputation, turning good intentions into resentment. The phrase '为好成歉' captures the sorrow of having one's good deeds lead to blame and alienation. Feng Menglong used this expression to illustrate the tragic irony of kindness repaid with hostility.
💡 Example Usage
他好心去帮忙调解，却为好成歉，反被双方埋怨。
He went to help mediate out of kindness, but his good intentions backfired and he ended up being blamed by both sides.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 为好成歉
- Pinyin: wéi hǎo chéng qiàn
- Literal Translation: do, good, become, resentment
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4