do well by doing good

== English == === Etymology === The origin is unknown; in use since the mid-20th century. Although the phrase is sometimes attributed to Benjamin Franklin, the earliest documented usage is from Tom Lehrer's 1953 novelty song "The Old Dope Peddler." === Pronunciation === === Verb === do well by doing good (third-person singular simple present does well by doing good, present participle doing well by doing good, simple past did well by doing good, past participle done well by doing good) (idiomatic) To achieve social acceptance or financial success as a result of behaving in a benevolent or charitable manner. 1988, John Greenwald at al., "Japan From Superrich To Superpower," Time, 4 July: Of course, like most aid donors, Japan does well by doing good.