One good turn deserves another. — English proverb · Smartyfair

One good turn deserves another.

English proverb

Source foundKindnessAncient

In plain words

When someone helps you, help them back.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 82% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Documented since 1636 in William Camden's Remaines Concerning Britaine (earliest form: 'One good turne asketh another'). No named author found — genuinely anonymous English proverb, first appearance pre-1700.
Work: Remaines Concerning Britaine (William Camden)
Occasion: 1636 · England · antiquarian collection of English lore and proverbs
Sources checked: phrases.org.ukChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026cites Camden's 1636 Remaines Concerning Britaine

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More on kindness

Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.

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William Shakespeare

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