serve time

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]

Example Sentences

‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ star Karen Huger will serve time for driving under the influence, the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed to The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

What are the challenges of writing a political thriller in today’s climate when the president-elect is a convicted felon who will not serve time?

From Los Angeles Times

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

“Bannon trumpeting his willingness to serve time—there’s a kind of competition for people to show just how committed they are to the cause.”

From Slate