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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary

Blue eyes

I was wondering whether there is an English equivalent of an idiom that we use in Czech. It goes like this:

to do someone a favor/help someone FOR THEIR BLUE EYES. The meaning is that you do something without expecting a reward, you don`t get paid (back). It is often used in negative sentences, e.g. "I doubt he does all that for her blue eyes!", suggesting you think he is actually getting some kind of a reward or he at least expects to get some. Thanks!

Anna
  

Top answer

Hi, I can't think of such an expression, although there may be one. If we don't have one, we should have! We do say 'He does it out of the kindness of his heart '.

— Clive

  • Hi, I can't think of such an expression, although there may be one.
  • If we don't have one, we should have!
  • We do say 'He does it out of the kindness of his heart '.
  • Clive
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5 Answers
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Hi,

I can't think of such an expression, although there may be one. If we don't have one, we should have!

We do say 'He does it out of the kindness of his heart'.

Clive
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To labour, and to ask for no reward?
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Thanks Clive! I believe you have replied out of the kindness of your heart :-)
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Clive has suggested "out of the kindness of his heart". There is also "for the good of his health".

Both can mean literal kindness or health benefits but are often used cynically.

There is "for the heck of it" or "for the **** of it" and "on a whim" - all same meaning.

Also "for fun" and "for kicks" - again share same meaning.

All can be used in the phrase "I do
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Not idioms, but an altruist is someone that doesn't expect a reward, while someone with ulterior motives wants something in return.
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