PhrasesHub

Poetic justice

    Definitions

      • justice served in a satisfying or fitting manner
        Refers to a situation where a person receives a punishment or reward that is appropriate and well-deserved based on their actions or behavior

    Examples of Poetic justice

    • After years of embezzlement and corruption, the CEO of the company was finally caught and sentenced to prison. As he walked through the gates, the guards chuckled and said, "Poetic justice, eh?"

      The phrase "poetic justice" is used figuratively to describe an outcome that seems appropriate and satisfying given the circumstances. In this example, the CEO's criminal actions have led to his own imprisonment, which feels like a just and fitting punishment.

    • The celebrity, who had a history of making cruel and insensitive comments about others, found himself on the receiving end of a vicious online troll campaign. As the hashtag #CancelThisPerson began to trend, he declared, "This is classic poetic justice."

      Again, "poetic justice" is being used to describe a situation in which someone is punished or subjected to suffering in a way that seems almost tailor-made for their own actions. In this case, the celebrity's history of being harsh and judgmental has come back to haunt him, as he is now the target of cruelty and ridicule.

    • The team captain, who had been absent for weeks due to a personal issue, watched from the sidelines as his replacement led the team to a decisive victory. As the final whistle blew, the new captain said, "I guess this is poetic justice for skipper's Bollywood cruise."

      Here, "poetic justice" is being used to describe a situation in which someone is replaced or surpassed in a situation, and then sees that same fate befall them as a result. In this example, the team captain's extended absence and the success of his replacement can be seen as an appropriate and satisfying outcome given his prior decision to take a luxurious vacation.

    • The student, who had not studied for the exam, confidently predicted, "I'm going to ace this test. Poetic justice for all the times I skipped class."

      This is a less conventional use of "poetic justice," as it is being used to describe a situation in which someone is about to experience the positive outcome that they have longed for or felt that they deserved. In this case, the student's confidence in his own abilities seems almost appropriate or fitting, given the number of times he had cut classes and avoided studying. However, it remains to be seen whether his prediction will actually come true.

    • When the notorious thief, who had evaded the police for years, was caught red-handed and sentenced to prison for his crimes, it was considered as an instance of poetic justice.

      Poetic justice refers to a situation where an individual suffers the consequences of their wrongdoings, and it happens in a dramatic and satisfying manner, as if it were part of a poetic or fictional story. In the given example, the thief had been getting away with stealing for a long time, and the fact that he got caught and paid the price for his actions is a classic example of poetic justice.

    • When the loud-mouthed bully, who had been tormenting and intimidating weaker students for years, faced retaliation from the very same students he had mistreated, it was seen as poetic justice.

      In this instance, poetic justice refers to a situation where a person who has been mistreating others, comes to face the same treatment they had been dishing out. It can be satisfying to see justice served in such a way, and the term 'poetic justice' is often used to describe this form of retribution.

    • When the corrupt government official, who had been milking the taxpayers' money for years, was finally exposed and brought to justice, it was seen as poetic justice.

      Poetic justice in this context refers to a situation where a person who has been abusing their power and taking advantage of others for personal gain, is held accountable for their actions. It brings a sense of closure and justice to the situation and can be seen as poetic in the way it unfolds, as if it were part of a drama or a movie.

    • When the arrogant celebrity, who had been flaunting her wealth and power, was caught up in a scandal that shook her reputation and confidence, it was seen as poetic justice.

      In this case, poetic justice refers to a situation where a person who has been flaunting their superiority and putting others down, faces consequences that bring them down to earth. It can be satisfying to see someone who has been behaving arrogantly, come face to face with a setback or a scandal that helps them realize the error of their ways.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "poetic justice" is often used to describe a situation where someone's actions result in a fitting and satisfying outcome, whether it be a punishment for wrongdoing or a reward for virtuous behavior.

    The phrase is commonly used to convey a sense of irony or karma, where the consequences are so fitting that they seem almost like they were scripted in a poetic work. It is often used in discussions about fairness and the idea that people ultimately get what they deserve, whether it is good or bad.

    Overall, "poetic justice" is a powerful and evocative idiom that carries a strong sense of satisfaction and appropriateness in the outcome of a situation.

    Origin of "Poetic justice"

    The origins of the idiom "poetic justice" can be traced back to literary and dramatic traditions. The term "poetic" refers to the art of poetry and the idea of beauty and creativity, while "justice" refers to fairness and moral rightness.

    The phrase has its roots in the concept of justice in literature, particularly in the works of playwrights and poets. It is often used to describe the resolution of a story in a way that is both morally satisfying and artistically fitting. The idea of poetic justice has been a recurring theme in literature, where characters often receive rewards or punishments that are in line with their actions.

    Over time, the idiom "poetic justice" has become a widely recognized and used phrase in everyday language, extending beyond its literary origins to describe real-life situations where fairness and appropriateness are emphasized.