it never pays to (do something)

it never pays to (do something)

It is never a wise or advantageous idea to do the thing specified; doing this specific thing will never yield a positive effect. While it may be tempting, it never pays to exaggerate the list of accomplishments on your résumé. In my experience, it never pays to try to make short-term earnings by avoiding paying your taxes in full.
See also: never, pay
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

it always/never pays to do something

it is always/never wise to do something: It always pays to get good professional advice. It never pays to cheat in exams because you will always be discovered eventually.
See also: always, never, pay, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • it (always) pays to (do something)
  • it always/never pays to do something
  • it pays to
  • far be it for/from me to...
  • far be it from
  • far be it from (one) to (do something)
  • far be it from me
  • far be it from me to
  • far be it from me to do something, but...
  • far be it from one to