have it coming: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘have it coming’ mean?
The idiom "have it coming" means to deserve or expect something, usually negative, as a consequence of one's actions or behavior.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "serve someone right" means that someone is receiving the punishment or consequences that they deserve for their actions or behavior.
The idiom "just deserts" means to receive the appropriate punishment or reward for one's actions.
The idiom "just deserts" has a specific meaning and carries a strong connotation. It means that individuals receive what they deserve, whether it be punishment, reward, or consequences. The phrase is often mistakenly written as "just desserts," but the correct spelling is "just deserts," derived from the Middle English word "desert," meaning "what one deserves."
The idiom "in for it" means to be in trouble or about to face negative consequences for one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "hell to pay" means to face severe consequences or trouble for one's actions or decisions.
The idiom "have it going on" means to possess a desirable or impressive quality, often in terms of attractiveness, confidence, or success.
The idiom "have had it up to here" means being extremely frustrated or fed up with something. It signifies reaching a limit or threshold of tolerance.
The idiom "have had it" means to be completely fed up, exhausted, or at the limit with a situation or person.
The idiom "have blood on one's hands" is a vivid expression that signifies being responsible for someone's death or suffering. This longstanding idiom can be traced back to ancient times when having blood on one's hands was associated with guilt and moral responsibility.
The idiom "have another think coming" is a phrase commonly used in the United States. It is believed to have originated in the 19th century and has since become well-known and widely used.
The Fateful Reckoning
The idiomatic expression "have it coming" is commonly used in English to convey the idea that someone deserves or is facing consequences for their actions. Its origins can be traced back to at least the early 20th century, making it a relatively old idiom in the English language. While its exact etymology remains uncertain, it is believed to have originated in American English.
The phrase "have it coming" carries a negative or critical connotation, suggesting that the individual in question deserves the negative outcome they are experiencing. It implies a sense of inevitability or justness in the consequences faced by an individual, emphasizing that the outcome is not merely coincidental or random, but rather a direct result of their own actions or behavior. In this sense, the idiom carries a moral undertone, highlighting the idea that individuals will inevitably face the consequences of their actions, whether positive or negative.
The idiom "have it coming" shares a similar meaning with the idioms "get what's coming to one," "serve someone right," and "just deserts." These idioms all convey the notion that individuals will receive the consequences they deserve. They imply that the outcome or punishment is justified based on the person's actions or behavior. Using the idiom "have it coming" allows us to convey this idea in a more conversational and informal tone.
Another related idiom is "catch it," which suggests that someone is receiving criticism, punishment, or negative treatment that they deserve. It implies that they have done something wrong or deserving of retribution, and as a result, they are facing the consequences. The idiom "have it coming" can be used interchangeably with "catch it" to convey this idea of deserved consequences.
Additionally, we can also incorporate the idiom "give someone what-for" into our discussion. This idiom means to scold, criticize, or reprimand someone severely. It is often used when someone is being held accountable for their actions or behavior. By including this idiom in our article, we can emphasize the idea that individuals who have it coming may also be on the receiving end of strong words or harsh criticism.
The idiomatic expression "have it coming" is frequently used in situations where individuals are being criticized or condemned for their actions. It suggests that the negative treatment or consequences they are facing are warranted due to their own actions or behavior. This idiomatic phrase also serves to reinforce societal norms and expectations by promoting the idea that individuals will inevitably face the consequences they deserve. It communicates the importance of accountability and personal responsibility, highlighting the idea that actions have consequences and that individuals should be aware of and accept the potential outcomes of their choices.
The idiom "have it coming" conveys the concept of deserving or facing consequences for one's actions. Its origins can be traced back to at least the early 20th century, although its exact etymology remains uncertain. The idiom is commonly used in American English and is often employed in a negative or critical context. It implies a sense of inevitability or justness in the consequences faced by an individual, reinforcing the idea that actions have consequences and that individuals should be accountable for their choices.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "have it coming" can be used in a sentence:
1. After constantly criticizing and belittling her coworkers, Kate finally got fired. She definitely had it coming.
2. Jake was always cheating on his girlfriend. When she found out and broke up with him, he had it coming.
3. The reckless driver who sped through red lights and caused multiple accidents finally got a ticket. He had it coming for endangering others on the road.
More "Retribution" idioms
