take lumps

take (one's) lumps

To experience and accept adversity, challenges, etc. The term typically implies that one perseveres without complaint despite such negative experiences. I know that I have to take my lumps as an intern to earn the other employees' trust and move up the corporate ladder.

See also: lump, take

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

take one's lumps

Inf. to accept the result or punishment one deserves. (See also get one's lumps.) You've got to learn to take your lumps if you're going to be in politics. I hate taking my lumps. I'd rather pretend nothing had happened.

See also: lump, take

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.