Would you like to tell someone that they are going to get their own nasty behavior or treatment reflected right back at them? The phrase 'a taste of your own medicine' is a common saying in the English language that can be used for this. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the phrase.
Meaning
The phrase 'a taste of your own medicine' is a common figurative saying in the English language.
'A taste of your own medicine' is used to mean that someone is getting their own unpleasant behavior or manners back in return.
The phrase usually has negative implications, or is said with insulting implications.
'A taste of your own medicine' can also be said as 'a taste of their/her/his own medicine' depending on the context.
The phrase can be used to say that someone 'gets a taste of their own medicine' or that someone 'should get a taste of their own medicine'.
The phrase can also be used to say that someone 'is going to get a taste of their own medicine' or that someone 'had a taste of their own medicine'.
'Own medicine' is used to imply that someone has been (or that they are generally) unkind, and that they are getting the same in return.
The phrase can also be said as 'to give' or 'giving someone a taste of their own medicine'.
Example Usage
“If you put anything he doesn't like on his pizza this week, then he's going to get a sure taste of his own medicine.”
“When you take him out to dinner next week, give him a taste of his own medicine and walk away to let him pay the bill for you.”
“We're going to give them a taste of their own medicine. Jack is going to jizz in all of their shampoo bottles before we leave.”
“Give them a taste of their own medicine and throw most of their beer into the river. That'll teach them to avoid disasters like last year.”
Origin
The phrase 'a taste of your own medicine' is said to originate from one of Aesop's Fables, which were translated into English in the mid-1600s and gave rise to several phrases in common use of which this is one of them.
The story describes someone who gets a 'taste of their own medicine' that is claimed to be a cure-all for diseases, but results in the death of both the townspeople and the supposed healer.
After use of the phrase in the popular translated Aesop's Fables, the saying would continue well into the modern century with its figurative meaning remaining unchanged.
While this is rare, the phrase is not listed on the website Urban Dictionary as of 2022.
Phrases Similar to A Taste Of Your Own Medicine
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Phrases Opposite to A Taste Of Your Own Medicine
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What is the Correct Saying?
- A taste of your own medicine
- A taste of their own medicine
Ways People May Say A Taste Of Your Own Medicine Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone could use the phrase 'a taste of your own medicine' in the wrong way, or misunderstand the way in which the phrase is being used.
The phrase 'a taste of your own medicine' can be difficult to understand when translated as a direct phrase into languages that do not use the saying.
The phrase is not used as 'a taste of your own medicines', as the grammar would not be correct.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase A Taste Of Your Own Medicine
There are several correct ways in which someone can use the phrase 'a taste of your own medicine' in conversation.
Someone can get (or be given) 'a taste of their own medicine' to imply that someone gets their own unkindness displayed or reflected back at them.
The phrase can be said as a reference about someone, or directly to someone.