Meaning & Definition of word "Comeuppance"
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Comeuppance
/kʌˈmʌp.əns/
noun:
- 1. A punishment or fate that someone deserves; the return of good or bad behavior.
- Example: After years of deceit and manipulation, his comeuppance finally arrived when the truth came out.
- 2. A deserved rebuke or punishment.
- Example: Her rude remarks finally led to a comeuppance when her colleagues decided to speak up.
- 3. Retribution or consequence for one's actions, often used in a moral context.
- Example: The villain in the story got his comeuppance at the end when the hero confronted him.
Etymology
The term 'comeuppance' is believed to be a blend of 'come up' (to face consequences) and ‘uppance’, which means an elevation or a rise.
Common Phrases and Expressions
getting one's comeuppance:
Receiving a punishment that is deserved.
the tables have turned:
A situation has changed so that the person who was previously dominant is now on the receiving end.
justice is served:
A phrase used when it is believed that a fair punishment has been delivered.
Related Words
retribution:
The act of punishing or taking vengeance for wrongdoing.
punishment:
The infliction of a penalty as retribution for an offense.
Slang Meanings of comeuppance
Meaning: Karma catching up
Example Sentence: He thought he could get away with it, but karma caught up with him and he got his comeuppance.
Meaning: Getting what you deserve
Example Sentence: She was always so smug, but now she's facing her comeuppance.