serve time

Idioms  

1. Undergo a prison sentence; also, work at a particular task, especially an undesirable one. For example, We couldn't hire him when we learned that he had served time for robbery, or I applied for a transfer after serving time in that chaotic department. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

But the sentences were suspended for four years, which means they did not actually have to serve time in prison.

From BBC

Morgan Wallen is going to serve time in Tennessee.

From Los Angeles Times

Facing the prospect of another lengthy prison term, he took the advice of another inmate who told him - "don't serve time, let time serve you".

From BBC

“I forgive them, but that does not mean I don’t want them to have their day in court and serve time.”

From Slate

But Daniel, 50, also known as “Two Scoops,” said prosecutors didn’t uphold their end of the bargain, leaving him to serve time in a Sacramento state prison for the past seven months.

From Los Angeles Times