virtue is its own reward
virtue is its own reward
proverb Doing something because it is morally or ethically correct should be more important and satisfying than receiving some kind of tangible reward for doing so. A: "I went through all that trouble to find her missing dog, and all she gave me was a homemade cookie!" B: " Ah well, virtue is its own reward." No, thank you, I couldn't possibly accept that—virtue is its own reward, and I wouldn't feel comfortable taking money from you for what I did.
See also: own, reward, virtue
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
Virtue is its own reward.
Prov. You should not be virtuous in hopes of getting a reward, but because it makes you feel good to be virtuous. Bill: If I help you, will you pay me? Fred: Virtue is its own reward.
See also: own, reward, virtue
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
ˌvirtue is its own reˈward
(saying) the reward for acting in a moral or correct way is the knowledge that you have done so, and you should not expect more than this, for example praise from other people or paymentSee also: own, reward, virtue
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
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