beget
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Related to beget: begotten
hate begets hate
proverb If you treat someone with anger, malice, or hatred, it will typically cause them to behave in a similar way to yourself or to others. I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and treat people as kindly as possible, even if they've wronged me in the past. Hate only ever begets hate, after all. It just feels like people only want to attack and tear down anyone with an opposing opinion these days. But hate begets hate, and all we seem to be getting is an ever-rising sea of ill will between each other.
kindness begets kindness
proverb If you treat someone kindly, they will likely reciprocate in a similar fashion. Maybe you should be nicer to Arthur if you want him to treat you better. Kindness begets kindness, you know. When I was a barista, it made my day when people would pay it forward. Kindness really begets kindness.
love begets love
proverb If you show love, kindness, and goodwill toward someone, it will typically cause them to behave in a similar way to yourself or to others. I feel like we as a people are losing the notion that love begets love these days, choosing instead to attack or criticize other people as our default reaction. I've always taken the stance that love begets love, and, in my own experience, anyway, it has always borne out to be true.
sleep begets sleep
cliché An infant who naps soundly and often during the day is more likely to have long, restful, and unbroken sleep at night. You may feel inclined to keep your baby awake during the day, but trust me, sleep begets sleep. Let them nap as much as possible, and you'll find they actually sleep much better at night. Win-win, huh?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
Love begets love.
Prov. If you behave lovingly to other people, they will behave lovingly to you. Child: I hate Tammy! She's always mean to me. Father: If you're nicer to her, maybe she'll change her ways. Love begets love.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.