# have it coming

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-it-coming
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- He was rude to everyone, so he had it coming.
- After ignoring all the warnings about his poor work habits, he realized he had it coming when his boss finally fired him.
- 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.

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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.