ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reap what one sows

idiom
Meaning

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.


Origin

disputed origin

From Galatians 6:7 in the Bible (King James Version; spelling modernized): “Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Examples
SIMPLE

If you work hard now, you will reap what you sow later.

CONTEXTUAL

He spent years treating his colleagues poorly, and now that he needs their help, he is truly reaping what he sowed.

COMPLEX

The politician spent his career spreading division among the voters, only to find himself reaping what he sowed when the public turned against him during the final election.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    ain't what it used to was

    Is not what it used to be; (expressing nostalgia).

  2. 02

    as best one can

    In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.

  3. 03

    as far as one knows

    To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.

  4. 04

    back to square one

    Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.

  5. 05

    beat as one

    To share the same feelings.

  6. 06

    become one flesh

    To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.

  7. 07

    bite off more than one can chew

    To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.

  8. 08

    bite the big one

    To perform poorly; to fail.

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