Have it coming Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhæv/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt/ /ˈkəmɪŋ

HAV-it-KUH-ming

UK

hæv/ /ˈɪt/ /kˈʌmɪŋ

hav-IT-KUM-ing

Definition

If someone 'has it coming', it means they deserve what happens to them, especially something bad, because of their actions or behavior.

Usage & Nuances

This expression is informal, mainly used when someone receives a consequence deserved by their actions, often negative. It can sound judgmental or unsympathetic. Commonly used in phrases like 'He had it coming.' Not suitable for formal writing.

• Spanish: merecerlo - tenerlo merecido
• Portuguese (BR): merecer - estar pedindo (gíria)
• Portuguese (PT): merecer - estar a pedi-lo (informal)
• Chinese (Simplified): 活该
• Chinese (Traditional): 活該
• Hindi: इसका हकदार होना (अच्छा या बुरा) - भुगतना पड़ना
• Arabic: استحق ذلك - جلب ذلك على نفسه
• Bengali: যথাযোগ্য শাস্তি পাওয়া - প্রাপ্যটা পাওয়া
• Russian: сам заслужил - сам(а) напросился(сь)
• Japanese: 自業自得 - 当然の報い
• Vietnamese: đáng bị như vậy - nhận kết quả xứng đáng
• Korean: 자업자득 - 당연한 결과를 얻다
• Turkish: hak etmek - başına gelmeyi hak etmek
• Urdu: ملنا جو اس نے کمایا - جو اس کا حق تھا اسے ملا
• Indonesian: pantasan - sudah sepantasnya

Example Sentences

He was rude to everyone, so he had it coming when he lost his job.

basic

If you keep being late, you have it coming when the teacher gets angry.

basic

She teased her little brother, but when he yelled back, she had it coming.

basic

Honestly, after the way he acted, he totally had it coming.

natural

You break the rules, you have it coming — simple as that.

natural

"Did you see her get splashed by that car?" "Yeah, she had it coming after yelling at the driver."

natural