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poetic justice

noun

an ideal distribution of rewards and punishments such as is common in some poetry and fiction.

poetic justice

noun

fitting retribution; just deserts

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Word History and Origins

Origin of poetic justice¹

First recorded in 1720–30

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Idioms and Phrases

An outcome in which virtue is rewarded and evil punished, often in an especially appropriate or ironic manner. For example, It was poetic justice for the known thief to go to jail for the one crime he didn't commit. [Early 1700s]

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Cromwell’s journey to Tower Hill is, in its way, poetic justice.

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If the railroad ultimately allows the city to build a trail — and that trail indeed brings in more tourist dollars — many locals says it would be poetic justice.

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Though it’s shocking that a former president doesn’t appear to understand courtroom rules that anyone who has ever seen “Law & Order” could explain, there is a certain poetic justice.

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It would have been poetic justice if he had won on Sunday, not just playing in a home World Cup but also leading his side - that wasn't meant to be.

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I must admit, I’m amused by the poetic justice of it all.

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poeticize poetic licence

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