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Definition 2024


nice_guys_finish_last

nice guys finish last

English

Proverb

nice guys finish last

  1. People who are decent, friendly, and agreeable tend to be unsuccessful because they are outmaneuvered or overwhelmed by others who are not so decent, friendly, or agreeable.

Usage notes

  • Often expressed in a cynical manner.

References

  1. 1 2 3 The Yale Book of Quotations, Fred R. Shapiro, Yale University Press, 2006, p. 221
  2. N.Y. Journal American, 1946 July 7
  3. Sporting News, 1946 July 17