take one's lumps

idiom

US, informal
: to be badly beaten or hurt
He took his lumps as a kid growing up in the city.
usually used figuratively
Their first album took its lumps from the critics.
The team has taken its lumps this year, but their play has improved recently.

Dictionary Entries Near take one's lumps

Cite this Entry

“Take one's lumps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20one%27s%20lumps. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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