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

See Examples For:

poetic justice

This import car story ends in a full poetic justice circle.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 22, 2026

The hum for readers of this well-crafted book comes from seeing its determined protagonist try to foil that scheme while ensuring poetic justice.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026

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 ● Nov. 21, 2023

It's poetic justice that they get to be first in line to start holding him accountable.

From Salon ● Apr. 4, 2023

Wouldn’t it be poetic justice if she were to turn the half of her class who were for her last year against her by her own unworthiness?

From Marjorie Dean College Junior by Lester, Pauline