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UKa taste / dose of one's own medicine
/ɐ tˈeɪst dˈəʊs ɒv wˈɒnz ˈəʊn mˈɛdsən/
/ɐ tˈeɪst dˈoʊs ʌv wˈʌnz ˈoʊn mˈɛdəsən/a taste / dose of one's own medicine
[PHRASE]1
a harsh or unpleasant way of treating someone that is almost identical to the manner in which they treated one
What is the origin of the idiom "a taste of one's own medicine" and when to use it?
The idiom "a taste of one's own medicine" has its origins in a proverb that dates back centuries. The proverb "He that will not hear must feel" is one of its earliest forms and implies that those who refuse to listen to advice or admonishments will eventually experience the consequences of their actions physically or emotionally. It is commonly used in situations where an individual is facing the repercussions of their own behavior, especially if that behavior involved mistreatment, deceit, or harm towards others.
Examples
1. And the mad King Diomedes, who had trained his horses to devour his guests, got a taste of his own medicine when Hercules wrestled him into his own stables.
2. This team likes to play rough, so let's go out there and give them a taste of their own medicine!
3. You are getting a taste of your own medicine!
4. He gave Covey a taste of his own medicine and the man never tried to use violence to control Douglass again.
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