come back to haunt
Return with consequences
When something comes back to haunt you, a past action or decision returns to cause problems: That careless remark will come back to haunt him.
The phrase suggests consequences that were dormant but inevitable—like a ghost that won't stay buried.
Often used as a warning: Skipping the backup will come back to haunt you.
- shadowLight blocked by object
- repercussionIndirect result of action
- echoReflected sound wave
- consequenceResult of an action
- regretSorrow over past actions
remorse · karma · what goes around · past · old wounds · bad decision · unfinished business · guilt · mistake · payback · memory · fallout · specter · reckoning · day of reckoning · shame · recollection · chain reaction
come back to hauntforgive and forget
Absolve and dismiss resentment
let bygones be bygones · water under the bridge · blow over · leave no trace · fall by the wayside
come back to hauntlet off the hook
wipe the slate clean · turn over a new leaf · bury the hatchet · get away with it
come, comes, coming, comer, back, backs, backed, backing, backer