serve

First come, first served.

something that you say which means that the people who ask for something first will be the ones who get it, when there is not enough for everyone. We've got ten cheap computers on offer. It's first come, first served.

See also: first

first-come, first-served

First come, first served. - something that you say which means that the people who ask for something first will be the ones who get it, when there is not enough for everyone. Tickets for the show are limited and we operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

serve someone right

if something bad that happens serves someone right, they deserve it. It would serve you right if your children never spoke to you again. And she didn't get the promotion she'd hoped for, which served her right for being so smug.

See also: right

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if memory serves

if I am remembering correctly. If memory serves, there will be flags and parades for the Olympic opening ceremonies.

See also: memory

serve time

to spend a period of time in prison. He was serving time for a series of burglaries in the neighborhood.

See also: time

serve up something

to offer something. The TV miniseries will be serving up five hour-long programs. Hitchcock served up a pitch that Perez hit over the fence for a home run. Filmgoers demand realism, and Lee serves it up without flash or tricks in his latest movie.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of serve up (= to provide food or drink)

serve you right

you deserve the punishment that you received. After the way she treated him, it would serve her right if he left her.

Usage notes: often said with an attitude of pleasure because someone you do not like is suffering

See also: right