a lot of good

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiominformalfigurative

   used to say that something was not helpful or was a waste of effort, often with irony.

   Grammar: Often appears in 'a lot of good that did' or 'that will do a lot of good', where the tone makes the meaning negative.

   Patterns

   • a lot of good that did
   • do a lot of good
   • that will do a lot of good

   I studied all night, and a lot of good that did — I still failed.

   A lot of good that advice did; nothing changed.

   You can complain, but it won't do a lot of good.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   a large amount of benefit or helpful effect.

   Grammar: In this literal use, it usually follows 'do' and is not ironic.

   Patterns

   • do a lot of good
   • a lot of good comes from something

   Volunteering at the shelter did a lot of good for the animals.

   A little kindness can do a lot of good.

Common combinations

a lot of good that did

I locked the door, but a lot of good that did — someone still got in.

do a lot of good

The charity does a lot of good in the community.

won't do a lot of good

Worrying won't do a lot of good.

a lot of good it will do

Buying more things will do a lot of good, I'm sure.

Synonyms and how they differ

a fat lot of good

Stronger and more sarcastic; it makes the negative meaning very clear.

no good

Directly negative and not ironic; it states clearly that something is not helpful.

Opposites

Word family

good noun

Benefit or helpful effect.

goodness noun

The quality of being good or kind.

Commonly confused: a lot of good or a good deal?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a lot of good”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words