No rest for the wicked

Meaning
This idiom humorously or ironically suggests that those who are morally questionable, busy, or mischievous have no time to rest due to their constant schemes, obligations, or troubles, implying a relentless pace driven by their own actions or fate. It conveys a sense of unending activity or consequence, often used in casual, social, or self-deprecating contexts to comment on a hectic schedule or persistent challenges, sometimes with a nod to moral judgment. The phrase carries a tone of playful resignation, wry humor, or mock seriousness, reflecting cultural attitudes toward work, guilt, and the human condition’s ceaseless demands. It resonates in settings where people jokingly lament their burdens or justify their busyness, capturing the tension between rest and responsibility, and its biblical undertones add a layer of historical depth, making it a versatile expression for both lighthearted and poignant moments.
Origin
The phrase originates from the Bible, specifically Isaiah 57:21 (King James Version, 1611): ‘There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.’ Its modern, humorous form emerged in 19th-century Britain, adapting the biblical warning into a colloquial jest about relentless activity, with an early use in an 1827 *Punch* magazine article: ‘No rest for the wicked, as the saying goes.’ The idiom gained traction in Victorian England, reflecting a culture steeped in biblical literacy and humor, as seen in Charles Dickens’ *Bleak House* (1853), which uses it for overworked characters. Its use grew in 20th-century American English, particularly during the industrial era’s work-centric ethos, as noted in Sinclair Lewis’ *Main Street* (1920). The phrase’s adoption was amplified by its use in folk music and vaudeville, notably in 1930s American blues songs, and its spread to British and Commonwealth English came through transatlantic media, including radio and film comedies. Its vivid imagery, evoking a divine curse on the restless, and its applicability to both humor and hardship ensured its enduring use across English-speaking cultures, from workplace banter to philosophical quips.
Variants
  • No rest for the wicked
  • No peace for the wicked
  • No rest for the weary
  • No rest for the sinful
Examples
  • No rest for the wicked—I’ve got back-to-back meetings all day!
  • No peace for the wicked, she joked, juggling two jobs and a side hustle.
  • No rest for the weary, he sighed, working late to meet the deadline.
  • No rest for the sinful, they laughed, planning another prank.
  • No rest for the wicked, with emails piling up even on weekends.
  • No rest for the wicked, he said, tackling the endless chores at home.