“No rest for the wicked”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase No rest for the wicked means that those who commit bad deeds will not find peace or relief. In modern usage, it’s often used humorously to suggest that one has a lot of work to do and can’t take a break.
Tone The tone is typically ironic or light-hearted when used in contemporary contexts, expressing mild frustration or resignation about continuous work or obligations.
Where it comes from
The phrase originates from the Bible, specifically Isaiah 57:20-21, which states, “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest… There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked.” Over time, it has evolved into a common idiom referring to having no time to rest.
Examples
- I’ve got to finish these assignments before Monday—no rest for the wicked!
- Even on vacation, she checks her emails every hour. No rest for the wicked.
- With three kids to look after, he hardly gets a moment to himself—no rest for the wicked.
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