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

A man accused of nabbing unreleased music by Beyoncé in a vehicle break-in last summer has pleaded guilty to the theft and has been sentenced to serve time in prison.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

He served 20 days in jail in that case late last year, making him the first post-war French leader to serve time behind bars, before his release pending appeal.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

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

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

Whether he will ever serve time in prison remains an open question.

From New York Times • Feb. 14, 2024

Just one-third of white youths were sentenced to adult or juvenile state correctional facilities in 2012, while two-thirds were given probation or sentenced to serve time in county jails.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater