take one's lumps

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Verb phrase: - To accept or endure the negative consequences, punishment, or criticism resulting from one's own actions, decisions, or behavior, often without complaint.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe the act of stoically facing the repercussions for something one has done. It implies a degree of resilience and acceptance of responsibility. It is often used in informal contexts.

Examples
Advanced Usage
  • The phrase can be used in various tenses by conjugating the verb "take":
    • She took her lumps after the project failed. (Past tense)
    • They are taking their lumps in the press for their controversial decision. (Present continuous)
  • It can sometimes imply enduring physical punishment or a beating, though it is more commonly used figuratively for criticism or failure.
Variants and Related Words
  • Take one's medicine: A closely related idiom with a similar meaning of accepting unpleasant consequences.
    • He knew he was wrong and was ready to take his medicine.
Synonyms
  • Face the music: To confront the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.
  • Pay the price: To suffer the negative results of something.
  • Reap what you sow: To experience the consequences, especially negative ones, of your actions (often used in a biblical or proverbial sense).
Related Idioms
  • Get one's comeuppance: To receive a punishment or fate that one deserves, often with a sense of poetic justice. This is slightly different as it focuses more on the deserved nature of the punishment rather than the act of enduring it.
    • The bully finally got his comeuppance.
Verb
  1. suffer the results or consequences of one's behavior or actions

Từ đồng nghĩa