Meaning of cast one's bread upon the waters | Babel Free

Definitions

To perform a kind deed or favor without the motivation of any immediate reward or benefit to oneself, though with the possibility of eventual future return.

idiomatic

Examples

““… We shall always feel a melancholy pride, Mr. Grimsby and myself, in knowing that we recognised his quality, before there was any likelihood of financial remuneration. A succès d’estime, that was all, until this very grievous occurrence. But when the work is good, it is not our habit to boggle about monetary returns.” ”Ah, well!” said Wimsey, “it sometimes pays to cast your bread upon the waters. …””

CEFR level