Be/do something for your sins

usgb
phrase

To experience something unpleasant or difficult as a result or punishment for something you have done wrong.

Well, I guess I'm walking home in the rain for my sins.
Visual representation of "be/do something for your sins" - To experience something unpleasant or difficult as a result or punishment for something you have done wrong.

Often appears as...

  • paying for your sins
  • working for your sins

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic, Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "be/do something for your sins"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Colloquial Usage

The phrase is casual and might be unclear in formal or non-UK English contexts.

Illustration for Colloquial Usage
He's doing the extra work for his sins of missing the deadline.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It's often used jokingly and doesn't usually imply serious wrongdoing.

Illustration for Not Literal
I'm on dishwashing duty for my sins of cooking a bad meal.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Punishment

The 'sins' are often minor mistakes, not actual severe offenses.

Illustration for Figurative Punishment
I'm proofreading the whole report for my sins of typos.
Visual representation of the word "Be/do something for your sins"

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