poetic justice

noun

1. an ideal distribution of rewards and punishments such as is common in some poetry and fiction.

poetic justice

noun

1. fitting retribution; just deserts

Word History and Origins

Origin of poetic justice¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Idioms and Phrases

An outcome in which virtue is rewarded and evil punished, often in an especially appropriate or ironic manner. For example, It was poetic justice for the known thief to go to jail for the one crime he didn't commit . [Early 1700s]

Example Sentences

Though it’s shocking that a former president doesn’t appear to understand courtroom rules that anyone who has ever seen “Law & Order” could explain, there is a certain poetic justice.

From Los Angeles Times

It would have been poetic justice if he had won on Sunday, not just playing in a home World Cup but also leading his side - that wasn't meant to be.

From BBC

I must admit, I’m amused by the poetic justice of it all.

From Los Angeles Times

So, in some ways, giving Black people the land where the prison once operated as reparations could be seen as poetic justice.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s a poetic justice to Trump’s own vile words coming back to haunt him.

From Los Angeles Times