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

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 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 • Jul. 18, 2024

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

From New York Times • Feb. 14, 2024

The Fukushima District Court sentenced the former Japanese army soldiers to two years in prison but suspended the sentences for four years — meaning they won’t actually serve time in prison.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 11, 2023

“But if they’re convicted, they would serve time in a juvenile facility somewhere.”

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings