PhrasesHub

Just deserts

    Definitions

      • getting what one deserves, especially punishment or reward
        Express the idea that someone will receive the appropriate consequences, either good or bad, for their actions

    Examples of Just deserts

    • The fraudster was finally caught by the authorities and faced the full weight of the law. It was about time he received his just deserts.

      "Just deserts" refers to getting what one deserves, especially if it is something unpleasant or negative. In this example, the fraudster's criminal actions had gone unpunished for a long time, but now he was being held accountable and facing the consequences of his wrongdoing.

    • Despite his best efforts, the losing team was unable to turn things around and secure a victory. It seemed as though they were destined to receive their just deserts.

      "Just deserts" can also be used to describe the natural or inevitable outcome of a situation. In this example, the team had been struggling throughout the game and it seemed as though they were fated to suffer the consequences of their poor performance.

    • The star player was benched for the rest of the game after getting into a heated argument with the coach. It was clear that he had brought this upon himself and was now receiving his just deserts.

      "Just deserts" can be used to imply that someone is facing the consequences of their actions, whether they are good or bad. In this example, the player's outburst had earned him a punishment, which was a fair outcome given the circumstances.

    • The hard work and dedication that the athlete had put in over the years finally paid off when she won the gold medal. She felt that she had truly earned her just deserts.

      "Just deserts" can also be used to describe something positive or rewarding that one has earned. In this example, the athlete's success was a result of her sustained effort and training, and she felt that she had achieved what she deserved as a result.

    • The criminal was sentenced to life imprisonment for his heinous crimes. It's about time he receives just deserts for his actions.

      "Just deserts" is a phrase that means someone deserves to be punished or rewarded according to the nature of their actions. In this example, the criminal's crimes were so serious that he deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison. This phrase highlights that there is a strong connection between actions and consequences.

    • The team that won the tournament deserves all the accolades and awards that come their way. They have earned just deserts through their hard work and dedication.

      Here, "just deserts" implies that the team has earned the recognition and awards they receive because of their hard work and dedication, rather than through any undeserved luck or favoritism.

    • The company's CEO, who has embezzled millions of dollars from the company, deserves to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. It's about time she receives just deserts for her betrayal.

      Just like in the previous example, "just deserts" is used here to show that the CEO's actions were so serious that she deserves to be punished severely for what she has done.

    • The politician, who has served his constituency for over two decades with utmost integrity and dedication, deserves all the rewards that come his way. He has earned just deserts for his outstanding service.

      This example illustrates that "just deserts" can also be used to denote rewards for good deeds, in addition to punishments for wrongdoings. It highlights the fact that people should be rewarded according to their actions.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "just deserts" is often used to convey the idea of someone receiving what they deserve, whether it be punishment for their wrongdoings or rewards for their good actions. It emphasizes the notion of fairness and the idea that people will ultimately reap what they sow in life.

    The phrase is commonly used to express satisfaction when someone receives a fitting outcome, whether it is positive or negative. It can also serve as a warning to others that they will eventually face the consequences of their actions, whether they are good or bad.

    Origin of "Just deserts"

    The origin of the idiom "just deserts" can be traced back to the Middle English word "desert," which means "that which is deserved." The term "desert" in this context does not refer to a dry, sandy area, but rather to what is due to someone based on their actions.

    The phrase "just deserts" originated from the old saying "just deserts," which was used to convey the idea of receiving what is deserved, especially in terms of punishment. Over time, the phrase evolved to its current form, where it is commonly used to refer to both positive and negative outcomes. The idiom has become a popular way to emphasize the notion of fairness and the idea that people will ultimately receive what they deserve based on their actions.