ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have it coming

idiom
Meaning

To deserve or merit, as the consequences of one's actions.


Examples
SIMPLE

He was rude to everyone, so he had it coming.

CONTEXTUAL

After ignoring all the warnings about his poor work habits, he realized he had it coming when his boss finally fired him.

COMPLEX

The disgraced politician, having spent years manipulating the public trust for personal gain, ultimately faced a downfall that many observers felt he had long had it coming.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    coming and going

    A general bustle of activity.

  2. 02

    coming into the world

    The act of being born; a birth.

  3. 03

    coming right up

    Used by the speaker to indicate readiness to provide something ordered or requested.

  4. 04

    get what's coming to one

    To experience the consequences of one's actions.

  5. 05

    have another thing coming

    Alternative form of have another think coming.

  6. 06

    have another think coming

    To be deluded, to be mistaken; to need to rethink something one has determined; to need to reconsider one's plans or expectations.

  7. 07

    long in coming

    Of an event or happening, that has been awaited for a considerable period, implying that its arrival is overdue or much anticipated.

  8. 08

    the call is coming from inside the house

    A problem is the result of internal factors or agents, and is not the result of outside influence or interference.

Last updated April 17, 2026