nice guys finish last

Etymology
US 1946, condensed from a comment by a baseball manager. The original quote was “The nice guys are all over there, in seventh place.” (1946 July 6), about the — seventh place was next-to-last place in the National League. This was shortly afterwards rendered as “‘Nice Guys’ Wind Up in Last Place, Scoffs Lippy”, hence giving the present form.

Proverb

 * 1)  People who are decent, friendly, and agreeable tend to be unsuccessful because they are outmaneuvered or overwhelmed by others who are not so decent, friendly, or agreeable.

Usage notes

 * Often expressed in a cynical manner.

Translations

 * French: qui se fait brebis le loup le mange
 * Hungarian: a rendesek végeznek mindig az utolsó helyen