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Region: General | Usage example: After three meetings the frantic team muttered, no rest for the wicked.

No rest for the wicked

Meaning

Busy people must keep working.

Usage

Used when obligations keep piling up.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Echoes Isaiah 48:22, 'There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.' The modern use is usually joking, about busy people who cannot relax.

Biblical wording, now used mostly ironically.

Related Idioms

Rest on your laurels

Rely on past success instead of pushing forward.

Birds of a feather

People with similar interests tend to gather.

Cream of the crop

The very best people or things within a group.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.