you reap what you sow
Meaning
Your actions have consequences; you will experience results that match what you did earlier (good or bad).
Origin
A farming metaphor: what you plant (sow) determines what you later harvest (reap). The phrasing is famously found in the Bible (Galatians 6:7), which helped popularize it in English.
Notes
Often moralizing. Can describe positive payoff or negative comeuppance. Saying it to someone can sound judgmental or smug, so tone matters.
Examples
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He cheated his partners for years, and when they finally left him, he realized you reap what you sow.
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If you keep encouraging your team and giving clear feedback, you’ll build trust—because you reap what you sow.
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She skipped practice all season, so her poor performance at the tournament proved you reap what you sow.
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They spread rumors about others, and now that no one believes them, they’re learning you reap what you sow.
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I used to ignore my health, but after months of feeling exhausted, I accepted that you reap what you sow.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed proverb with “reap” and “sow.” Usually in present tense as a general truth; can be adapted: “He’s reaping what he sowed.” Often used as a stand-alone sentence.
Synonyms
- what goes around comes around
- you get what you deserve
- karma
- as you sow, so shall you reap
Antonyms
- no harm, no foul
- act with impunity