serve one right Idiom, Proverb
serve one right|right|serve
v. phr. To be what (someone) really deserves as a punishment; be a fair exchange for what (someone) has done or said or failed to do or say.
He failed his exam; it served him right because he had not studied. Bob said it served Sally right when she cut her finger; she had taken his knife without asking him. Compare: ASK FOR, HAVE IT COMING.
serve one right
serve one right Be deserved under the circumstances. For example,
That punishment serves him right after what he's done to you. It is also put as
serves you right, as in
It wasn't accepted? Serves you right for applying so late. These idioms use
serve in the sense of “treat in a specified manner,” in this case, justly. [Late 1500s]
serve (one) right
To be or bear the adapted or adapted consequence(s) for one's abnormal actions. It serves John appropriate that Dave threw him out of his affair aftermost night. He was acting like such a jerk! My adherent bankrupt up with me afterwards she begin out I had been cheating on her. Serves me right, I suppose. You tripped while authoritative fun of those kids? Serves you right!Learn more: right, serveserve one right
Be adapted beneath the circumstances. For example, That abuse serves him appropriate afterwards what he's done to you. It is additionally put as serves you right, as in It wasn't accepted? Serves you appropriate for applying so late. These idioms use serve in the faculty of "treat in a defined manner," in this case, justly. [Late 1500s] Learn more: one, right, serve