English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Day of reckoning
Meaning
The idiom "day of reckoning" refers to a time when one will be held accountable for their actions or decisions. It can also refer to a final confrontation or showdown between two opposing parties. The figurative meaning is often used to describe a situation where there will be consequences or punishment for past behavior.
Usage
- John knew he had been cheating on his wife for years, and when he found out she was having an affair with his best friend, it was the final straw - the day of reckoning had arrived.
- The company's profits had been declining for months, and now their investors were demanding answers - it was time for a day of reckoning.
- After years of refusing to address her addiction, Sarah's family decided to intervene and stage an intervention - the day of reckoning had arrived.
- The two rival gangs had been feuding for years, but when their leader was killed in a drive-by shooting, it was the final straw - the day of reckoning had arrived.
- When the CEO was fired for embezzling company funds, he realized that his past actions had caught up with him - the day of reckoning had arrived.
Roots and History
The idiom "day of reckoning" has its roots in Old English, where it was used to describe a time when one would be judged or punished for their actions. Over time, the meaning has evolved to include a final confrontation or showdown between two opposing parties. The idiom has been used in literature and media for centuries, including in William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" and in the TV show "Breaking Bad."
Synonyms in English
- Time of reckoning
- Day of accountability
- Final confrontation
- Showdown
- Confrontation
Synonyms in other languages
- French: jour de comptes (day of accounts)
- Spanish: día de cuenta (day of account)
- Italian: giorno di contare (day of counting)
- German: Tag der Rechnung (day of reckoning)
- Dutch: dag van rekening (day of reckoning)