Type any word!

Come home to roost Meaning in English

expression

KUHM HOHM tuh ROOST
KUM HOHM too ROOST

Definition

If something bad you did in the past comes home to roost, it means the negative consequences of your actions have finally caught up with you.

Usage & Nuances

This is an idiomatic, almost proverb-like expression. It's usually used in formal or written English. Often refers to bad actions, decisions, or mistakes whose negative effects return after some time. Not used for positive outcomes. Commonly followed by examples of consequences.

Example Sentences

His lies finally came home to roost when nobody trusted him anymore.

basic

If you treat people badly, it will come home to roost sooner or later.

basic

The pollution caused by the factory has come home to roost in the town's water supply.

basic

You can’t ignore the rules forever; breaking them will come home to roost eventually.

natural

Their short-sighted decisions are now starting to come home to roost as problems pile up.

natural

When the financial crisis hit, all those risky investments finally came home to roost.

natural