# come to a sticky end

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/come-to-a-sticky-end
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To die unpleasantly due to one's actions.

## Examples

- The villain will come to a sticky end.
- If he keeps stealing from dangerous people, he will surely come to a sticky end.
- The corrupt official ignored every warning, seemingly unaware that his reckless greed would eventually lead him to come to a sticky end.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.