student asking question

Does "desserts" also have a meaning of punishment? What does it mean here?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Just desserts" is an informal expression meaning that one will get the award or punishment they deserve. It is usually meant in a negative way, so "just desserts" is usually understood as "punishment" that one deserves. Ex: He scammed elderly people. He will get his just desserts in court. Ex: I want to see him get his just desserts.

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