get what’s coming to one: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get what's coming to one’ mean?
The idiom "get what's coming to one" means to receive the punishment or consequences that one deserves for their actions or behavior.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "reap what one sows" means that a person will face the consequences of their actions, whether positive or negative.
The idiom "have it coming" means to deserve or expect something, usually negative, as a consequence of one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "give someone what-for" means to scold or punish someone severely for their actions or behavior. It implies giving someone a strong reprimand or retribution for their wrongdoings.
The idiom *get on the end of* means to be in a position where one is ready to receive something or be involved in something that is about to happen.
The idiom "get one's fingers burnt" means to suffer negative consequences or experience a setback due to one's own actions or decisions. It implies getting physically or metaphorically hurt or harmed as a result of taking a risk or involving oneself in a dangerous or risky situation.
The idiomatic phrase "get off lightly" means to escape punishment or a negative outcome with less severity or consequences than expected or deserved.
The idiom "get it how one lives" means to do whatever is necessary or to go to great lengths to obtain something, often with a sense of determination or resilience.
The idiom "get even" means to retaliate or seek revenge for a wrong or injustice that has been done to oneself. It implies a desire to balance the scales and restore fairness or justice.
The idiom "get back at" means to seek revenge or retaliate against someone for something they have done to you.
The idiom "get into trouble" means to find oneself in a difficult or dangerous situation due to one's actions or decisions.
Karmic Consequences
The idiom "have it coming" is closely related to "get what's coming to one". Both idioms convey the idea that someone deserves to receive the consequences or outcomes of their actions. While "get what's coming to one" is a more general expression, "have it coming" specifically implies that the person in question had it coming or brought it upon themselves.
For example, if someone constantly lies and manipulates others, they will eventually have it coming to them and face the consequences of their deceitful behavior. On the other hand, if someone consistently works hard and goes above and beyond, they will have it coming in terms of success and recognition.
The idiom "reap what one sows" is another phrase related to the concept of getting what's coming to one. It suggests that a person will harvest or reap the results of their own actions. This idiom emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship between one's actions and the outcomes they experience.
Just like a farmer who plants seeds and later reaps the rewards of a bountiful harvest, individuals will experience the consequences of their actions, whether positive or negative. If someone spreads kindness and helps others, they will reap what they sow in the form of gratitude and positive relationships. Similarly, if someone engages in dishonesty and deceit, they will reap the negative consequences of mistrust and damaged relationships.
The idiom "give someone what-for" is another phrase that relates to the concept of receiving what's coming to one. It implies giving someone a stern reprimand or scolding for their actions or behavior. This idiom suggests that someone is held accountable for their actions through a forceful or assertive confrontation.
For instance, if a student consistently disrupts the class with their behavior, the teacher might give them what-for and reprimand them sternly. This serves as a way to ensure that the student understands the consequences of their disruptive actions and hopefully prompts them to change their behavior.
Idioms like "have it coming", "reap what one sows", and "give someone what-for" all revolve around the concept of receiving the consequences or outcomes that one deserves. Whether it's facing the repercussions of negative actions, reaping the rewards of positive behavior, or being confronted for one's actions, these idioms highlight the cause-and-effect relationship between our actions and the outcomes we experience.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *get what's coming to one* can be used in a sentence:
- After stealing from his friends, John finally got what was coming to him when he was arrested by the police.
- Janet cheated on her partner for years, but now she's getting what's coming to her as he has left her for someone else.
- Tom has been spreading rumors about his co-workers, and everyone hopes he gets what's coming to him when the truth comes out.
The idiom *get what's coming to one* is used to describe a situation where a person receives the consequences or punishment they deserve for their actions. In each of the examples provided, someone is experiencing the negative repercussions or justice as a result of their previous behaviors or actions. The idiom implies that justice or karma catches up with individuals in these situations.
More "Justice" idioms
