just deserts

Idioms and Phrases

A deserved punishment or reward, as in He got his just deserts when Mary jilted him . This idiom employs desert in the sense of “what one deserves,” a usage dating from the 1300s but obsolete except in this expression.

Example Sentences

It felt too easy or expected or, in some ways, also too just, in a way that didn't feel like the real world, for her to get her just deserts.

From Salon

Trump may never have to wear an orange jumpsuit with the "DOC" stamp on the back, but I'm quite optimistic that he will finally get his just deserts, in one form or another.

From Salon

"It is satisfying when someone so up themselves gets their just deserts."

From Salon

“We found that individuals who strongly agreed with government restrictions on individual behavior during public emergencies were more likely to believe in just deserts.”

From Washington Times

What can you say about people getting their just deserts?

From Salon