Definition

Verb (idiomatic phrase): * To deserve a particular (usually negative) outcome or consequence: The phrase "have it coming" means that someone deserves something that happens to them, typically a punishment, misfortune, or negative result, as a direct result of their own actions or behavior. It implies that the outcome was predictable and justified.

Usage

This phrase is almost always used in the past tense ("had it coming") to comment on a negative event that has already occurred to someone. It is used to express that the person's own prior actions made this consequence inevitable and fair. * The subject is the person who receives the consequence. * The phrase is commonly used with the auxiliary verbs "have/had" and a form of "be" (e.g., "He had it coming," "She has it coming," "They 've got it coming").

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Emphatic Forms: The phrase can be modified for emphasis.
  • He really had it coming.
  • She definitely has it coming to her.
• Passive Construction: While less common, a passive-like structure can be used.
  • What happened to him was terrible, but it was coming to him for a long time.

Variants and Related Words

• Get what's coming to (one): A very close synonym with identical meaning.
  • The bully finally got what was coming to him.
• Deserve: The core verb meaning "to be worthy of or entitled to." "Have it coming" is a specific, idiomatic application of "deserve" for negative consequences.
• Ask for it: Another idiom meaning to behave in a way that is likely to provoke a negative reaction.
  • Driving that fast in the rain was just asking for it.

Synonyms

• Deserve
• Merit (the punishment)
• Be asking for trouble
• Bring upon oneself

Antonyms

• Be undeserving
• Be blameless
• Be an innocent victim

Related Idioms

• Reap what you sow: To eventually receive the consequences, good or bad, of your past actions. This is a more formal or proverbial equivalent.
  • He reaped what he sowed when his lies were discovered.
• Serve (someone) right: Used to say that something bad that happens to someone is deserved. (Note: Often considered more informal or blunt.)
  • It serves him right for being so selfish.

Verb

1. deserve (either good or bad)
   • It's too bad he got fired, but he sure had it coming