not do someone any favours: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘not do someone any favours’ mean?
The idiom 'not do someone any favours' means to not provide any assistance or benefit to someone, often resulting in a negative outcome or lack of appreciation from the person. It implies that the action taken may not be advantageous or helpful, even though it may seem like a favor at first.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning to betray someone or deceive them dishonestly, often when they least expect it.
The idiom "return the favor" means to do something nice for someone in response to them doing something nice for you.
The idiom "on someone's account" means doing something for the benefit or because of someone else. It is often used to express a personal sacrifice made for another person.
The idiom "nothing for it" means that there is no choice or alternative in a certain situation, and one must accept or do something despite not wanting to or not having any other options.
The idiom "nothing doing" is used to express refusal or a lack of willingness to do something. It can also indicate that something is not going to happen or is unlikely to be successful.
The idiom "not for the world" is used to indicate that someone strongly refuses to do something, no matter what the circumstances or incentives may be.
The idiom "not do someone any favors" means to not provide any benefits or assist someone. It implies that the person's actions are unhelpful or even detrimental to the other person's situation or well-being.
The idiom "not cricket" means something that is unfair or unjust, typically referring to behavior or actions that are considered dishonest or unsportsmanlike.
The idiom "not by any means" means that something cannot or should not be done in any way or under any circumstances. It emphasizes the absolute impossibility or prohibition of a certain action.
The idiom "not be caught dead" means to strongly dislike or have no interest in doing something, to the point that one would never engage in that activity, even under the most extreme circumstances.
Unanticipated Outcomes
One well-known idiom in the English language is "not do someone any favors." This expression is used to convey the idea that an action or behavior does not benefit or help another person, and may even have negative consequences for them.
The phrase "not do someone any favors" is often used in situations where someone expects or asks for a favor or assistance, but the person being asked either refuses or does something that is not helpful or beneficial. This can create a sense of disappointment, frustration, or even resentment.
The origins of this idiom are not clear, but it is part of a broader category of idioms that use the concept of favors or helping as a metaphor for beneficial actions or behaviors.
In American English, the idiom "not do someone any favors" is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts. It can be found in everyday conversations, as well as in various forms of written communication.
The idiomatic expression "not do someone any favors" is intended to convey the idea that an action or behavior does not provide any advantage or benefit to another individual. It suggests that the person's actions or behavior are either neutral or possibly even harmful to the person they are meant to help.
When someone says, "You're not doing me any favors," they are expressing their discontent or disappointment with how another person is treating them. By using this idiom, they are highlighting the fact that the person's actions or behavior are not as helpful or beneficial as they may have expected or desired.
The idiom "not do someone any favors" is related to the idiom "do somebody wrong." Both idioms convey a sense of disappointment or dissatisfaction with how someone is treating another person. While "not do someone any favors" focuses on actions or behaviors that are not helpful or beneficial, "do somebody wrong" emphasizes actions or behaviors that are unjust or harmful.
Overall, the idiom "not do someone any favors" reflects the inherent complexity of human relationships and interactions. It serves as a reminder that not all actions or behaviors are genuinely helpful or beneficial, and that sometimes people may have different expectations or interpretations of what constitutes a favor.
While the specific origins and nuances of this idiom may remain somewhat elusive, it continues to be a common phrase in the English language. Its usage provides a means for individuals to express their dissatisfaction or disappointment when they feel that someone's actions or behavior are not as helpful or beneficial as expected. This idiom serves as a reminder of the intricacies and subtleties that exist within human interactions, leaving room for a myriad of possibilities and interpretations.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "not do someone any favours" can be used in a sentence:
- Letting him borrow my car turned out to not do him any favours when he crashed it.
- Her constant criticism does not do me any favours and affects my self-esteem.
- His dishonesty does not do him any favours when it comes to building trust with others.
More "Usage" idioms
