# serve time

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/serve-time
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be confined in prison or a similar institution, typically for wrongdoing that violates the law.

## Examples

- The criminal had to serve time for his crimes.
- After the judge delivered the final verdict, the defendant was sent away to serve time in a state facility.
- Having been convicted of financial fraud, the former executive was sentenced to serve time in a minimum-security prison for his role in the scandal.

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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.