# reap the whirlwind

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/reap-the-whirlwind
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To suffer bad consequences for one's actions.

## Examples

- If you lie to everyone, you will eventually reap the whirlwind.
- He ignored all the warnings about his risky investments and is now starting to reap the whirlwind.
- 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.

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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.