ăn báo cô

Definition

1. Verb phrase (idiomatic):
   • To be severely punished or to suffer serious consequences: This phrase describes receiving a harsh penalty, retribution, or negative outcome, often as a result of one's own wrongdoings or bad behavior. It implies a punishment that is deserved and significant.
   • To get one's comeuppance: It conveys the idea of facing a fitting and usually severe repercussion for prior actions.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Hắn lừa đảo nhiều người, giờ ăn báo cô rồi. (He deceived many people; now he has been severely punished.)
  • Nếu tiếp tục vi phạm luật, chúng sẽ ăn báo cô thôi. (If they continue to break the law, they will face serious consequences.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "ăn báo cô" is an intensified version of the more common idiom "ăn báo". The addition of "cô" strengthens the meaning, emphasizing the severity and inescapability of the punishment or negative outcome.

Variants and Related Words

• Ăn báo (verb phrase): To be punished, to face retribution. This is the more common, base form of the idiom.
  • Kẻ phản bội rồi sẽ ăn báo. (The betrayer will get their comeuppance.)

Synonyms

• To get one's just deserts: To receive the punishment one deserves.
• To pay the price: To suffer the negative consequences of one's actions.
• To face the music: To accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.

Related Idioms

• Gieo gió gặt bão: To sow the wind and reap the whirlwind; meaning one's actions, especially bad ones, will lead to disproportionately severe consequences.
  • Hắn gieo gió thì phải gặt bão, giờ ăn báo cô là đúng thôi. (He sowed the wind and must reap the whirlwind; it's only right that he faces severe punishment now.)