Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

the-road-to-hell-is-paved-with-good-intentions

proverb

/ðə roʊd tu hɛl ɪz peɪvd wɪð ɡʊd ɪnˈtɛnʃənz/

Definition

This phrase suggests that good intentions can lead to negative outcomes if they are not accompanied by appropriate actions.

Examples

He promised to help her with the project, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions; he never showed up.
Many charities fail because the road to hell is paved with good intentions that lack proper planning.

Meaning

The expression indicates that merely having good intentions is not enough; one must take concrete steps to ensure that those intentions have a positive impact.