do more harm than good
idiom
: be more harmful than helpful
He thinks the treatment may do more harm than good.
Examples of do more harm than good in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But this seemingly simple desire to trap the warmth in can often do more harm than good.
—
Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026
Mahan believes the concept would do more harm than good in the long-run for California.
—Max Darrow, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Harsh cleaners and random routines can do more harm than good—stick to safe products and a regular schedule.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Combining certain teas with some medications can do more harm than good, especially when consumed in excess.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for do more harm than good
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026
Mahan believes the concept would do more harm than good in the long-run for California.
—Max Darrow, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Harsh cleaners and random routines can do more harm than good—stick to safe products and a regular schedule.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Combining certain teas with some medications can do more harm than good, especially when consumed in excess.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for do more harm than good
Cite this Entry
“Do more harm than good.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do%20more%20harm%20than%20good. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
