Definition & Meaning of "come home to roost"

to come home to roost

PHRASE

to experience the negative consequences or effects of one's past actions or decisions

to [come] (home|back) to roost definition and meaning

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "come home to roost" and when to use it?

The phrase "come home to roost" has its origin in the behavior of chickens, which return to their roosts or coops at night. In an idiomatic sense, it is used to describe the consequences of one's actions catching up with them, often with a negative implication that mistakes or misdeeds will have repercussions in the future.

Example

He ignored the warning signs and now his poor health habits are coming home to roost.

His reckless behavior finally came home to roost when he got arrested for drunk driving.

The company's unethical practices finally caught up with them, and the chickens came home to roost when they lost a major lawsuit.

Curses, like chickens, come home to roost

curses, like chickens, come home to roost

SENTENCE

used to suggest that the negative energy or harm one puts out into the world can return to them in some form

Proverb

What is the origin of the proverb "curses, like chickens, come home to roost" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "curses, like chickens, come home to roost" is rooted in traditional English wisdom, though the exact source remains unclear. It emphasizes the idea that negative actions or intentions will come back to cause harm, often at the most inconvenient time. The proverb serves as a reminder that harmful deeds or thoughts are likely to have repercussions, urging people to be mindful of their actions.

Example

The politician who spread false rumors about their opponent now finds themselves at the center of a scandal.