serve time

Idioms and Phrases

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

Felons convicted in the District serve time in federal prisons across the country.

From The Daily Beast

If you stay youll be a scapegoat just the same—and youll serve time besides.

From Project Gutenberg

Time and again he was arrested, brutally treated by the police, and sentenced to serve time in the penitentiary.

From Project Gutenberg