ɡɛt ə teɪst əv jɔːr oʊn ˈmɛdɪsɪn
Relationships
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- To receive the medicine you prescribe to others
What does "get a taste of your own medicine" mean?
- To experience the same unpleasant treatment you've given others
- To have your own bad behavior returned to you
Examples
- The bully finally got a taste of his own medicine when someone stood up to him.
- After years of criticizing others, she got a taste of her own medicine when her work was criticized.
- He loved playing pranks until he got a taste of his own medicine.
Origin
Dates back to Aesop's fables and medieval times when 'medicine' often referred to poison. The idea is experiencing what you've inflicted on others.
How to use it
Used when someone experiences the same negative treatment they've given others. Often implies deserved payback.
Similar expressions
karmic justice
payback
comeuppance
what goes around comes around
Opposites
getting off scot-free
escaping consequences
Related idioms
- break the ice
To initiate conversation in an awkward social situation
- see eye to eye
To agree with someone completely
- head over heels
Completely and deeply in love
- pull someone's leg
To tease or joke with someone
- cut someone some slack
To be less strict or demanding with someone
- tie the knot
To get married
Use it in a practice answer
Try "get a taste of your own medicine" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.