nice guys finish last
nice guys finish last (idiom)
/nɑɪs ɡaɪz ˈfɪnɪʃ læst/
Meaning
- Kind and considerate people often lose out in competitive situations to those who are more aggressive.
- Excessive niceness may cause missed chances, as bolder individuals take control.
- Overly agreeable individuals may be seen as weak and overlooked in relationships or careers.
- Passive behavior can lead to being taken advantage of while assertive people succeed.
Example Sentences
- He treated her with respect, but nice guys finish last when charm wins over honesty.
- Despite his qualifications, nice guys finish last when others aggressively push for promotions.
- She always helps everyone, but nice guys finish last in the cutthroat world of business.
- In politics, nice guys finish last because playing fair rarely brings victory.
Origin and History
The phrase “nice guys finish last” is commonly attributed to American baseball manager Leo Durocher. On July 6, 1946, while managing the Brooklyn Dodgers, Durocher commented on the New York Giants, stating, “The nice guys are all over there, in seventh place.” At that time, seventh place was next to last in the National League standings. This remark was later condensed by journalists into the more familiar “nice guys finish last.”
Country of Origin
The phrase originated in the United States, emerging from the context of Major League Baseball during the mid-20th century.
Earliest Printed Record
The earliest printed record of the phrase appeared in the New York Journal-American on July 7, 1946, with the headline “‘Nice Guys’ Wind Up in Last Place, Scoffs Lippy.” This publication played a significant role in popularizing the condensed version of Durocher’s original remark.
Alternative Interpretations and Theories
While Durocher’s 1946 comment is the most widely accepted origin, some theories suggest that the sentiment behind “nice guys finish last” predates this event. For instance, the proverb “More nice than wise” appeared in John Ray’s collection in 1670, indicating that the association between excessive niceness and lack of success has long-standing roots.
Synonyms
- good guys never win
- kindness is a weakness
- softies come in last
- good men get passed over
- too nice to win
- taken for granted
- pushed around
- overlooked for being kind
Variants
- nice guys always finish last
- nice men finish last
- good guys finish last
- nice people finish last
- nice guys end up last
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