take one's lumps
Accept deserved punishment
To take one's lumps is to accept punishment, criticism, or hardship without complaint—to endure the consequences of one's actions or circumstances stoically.
The lumps are metaphorical blows: He took his lumps from the press and moved on.
Often implies a certain toughness or maturity in facing difficulties rather than making excuses or deflecting blame.
Capacity to recover quickly
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
- stoicismUncomplaining acceptance of difficulty
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
perseverance · composure · equanimity · patience · steadfastness · humility · grace · dignity
Penalty for an offense
- criticismJudgment of faults
- setbackReverse in progress
- hardshipSuffering from difficult circumstances
- repercussionIndirect result of action
penalty · backlash · fallout · accountability · comeuppance · dues · rebuke · defeat
resilience
Capacity to recover quickly
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
- stoicismUncomplaining acceptance of difficulty
grit · perseverance · composure · equanimity · patience · steadfastness · humility · grace · dignity · maturity
punishment
Penalty for an offense
repercussion · penalty · backlash · fallout · accountability · comeuppance · dues · rebuke · defeat · failure
take one's lumpspass the buck
Transfer responsibility elsewhere
make excuses · point fingers · shift the blame · weasel out · cover one's tracks
take one's lumpscry foul
Allege improper conduct
throw a tantrum · make a scene · run away · cut and run · fight back
take, takes, taken, taking, taker, ones, lump, lumps, lumped