it always/never pays to do something

it (always) pays to (do something)

It is (always) a wise or advantageous idea to do the thing specified; doing this specific thing will (always) yield a positive effect. You can have the best product in the world, but if no one knows about it, no one is going to buy it—that's why it always pays to advertise! In my experience, it pays to have a seasoned legal expert look over every deal you're making before you sign the paperwork. It pays to give yourself extra time to get somewhere—you just never know when you're going to run into traffic.

See also: pay, to

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. If you want people to help you, it never pays to be rude.

See also: never, pay, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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, to

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