What does “When the chickens come home to roost” mean?
"When the chickens come home to roost" means that the negative consequences of one's actions catch up with them.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He thought he could get away with cheating, but when the chickens came home to roost, his reputation was ruined.
Example
She ignored her responsibilities for too long, and now the chickens are coming home to roost.
Example
The company's unethical practices finally caught up with them, and now the chickens are coming home to roost
Is “When the chickens come home to roost” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“When the chickens come home to roost” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “When the chickens come home to roost” effectively in context?
You can use "When the chickens come home to roost" to describe a situation where the negative consequences of someone's actions catch up with them. It emphasizes the idea that one cannot escape the repercussions of their behavior indefinitely. For example, if someone cheats on their partner and thinks they can get away with it, you might say, 'But remember, when the chickens come home to roost, the truth will be revealed and your reputation will be ruined.'
- 1Personal Relationships
He thought he could get away with lying, but when the chickens came home to roost, his partner found out the truth.
- 2Neglected Responsibilities
She ignored her duties for too long, and now the chickens are coming home to roost as her work starts to suffer.
- 3Unethical Behavior
The company's shady practices finally caught up with them, and now the chickens are coming home to roost in the form of legal consequences.
Similar phrases to “When the chickens come home to roost”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “When the chickens come home to roost” come from?
The origin of the phrase "When the chickens come home to roost" is unknown.
Is “When the chickens come home to roost” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "When the chickens come home to roost" is a well-known idiom in everyday conversation. It is commonly used to describe situations where someone faces the negative consequences of their actions.
What tone does “When the chickens come home to roost” have?
"When the chickens come home to roost" conveys a tone of warning or caution. It suggests that one should be mindful of their actions because eventually, they will have to face the consequences.
Can “When the chickens come home to roost” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "When the chickens come home to roost" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. However, it can also be used in more formal situations to convey the idea of accountability and responsibility.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He thought he could get away with it, but when the chickens come home to roost, his lies were exposed.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Just wait until the chickens come home to roost!' to imply that someone will face the consequences of their actions.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- bear the brunt
- face the consequences
- suffer the repercussions
- pay the price
- face the fallout
Antonyms
- dodge the bullet
- escape the consequences
- avoid accountability
- get away with it
- evade punishment
