poetic justice

American  

noun

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

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poetic justice British  

noun

1. fitting retribution; just deserts

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poetic justice Idioms  

1. 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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Etymology

Origin of poetic justice

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

Strachan’s work also suggests there is power in acts of poetic justice.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times