reap the whirlwind

idiom

Meaning

To suffer bad consequences for one's actions.

Examples

SIMPLE

If you lie to everyone, you will eventually reap the whirlwind.

CONTEXTUAL

He ignored all the warnings about his risky investments and is now starting to reap the whirlwind.

COMPLEX

By systematically dismantling the company's ethical standards for short-term profit, the board of directors has ensured they will soon reap the whirlwind of public outrage.

Anchors to

reap
whirlwind

Related idioms2entries

01
reap the harvest
To receive the rewards of something to one's efforts; get out what one puts in.
02
reap what one sows
To receive as a return or reward in the same measure as one's exertions or intentions, in a good or a bad sense; to receive justice or one's just deserts.