for (all) one's trouble

(redirected from for someone's trouble)

for (all) one's trouble

In exchange for the effort that one has made. Usually, the "reward" that such effort yields is negative. A: "But you've been so much better about getting to work on time!" B: "Yep, and all I got for my trouble was the boss criticizing my typing skills instead." And what did I get for all my trouble? A lousy commemorative pin.

for (all) one's trouble

in spite of one's efforts; in return for one's efforts. (Implies that the "trouble" was not worth taking, or was harmful.) He got a punch in the jaw for all his trouble. For her trouble, she got only honorable mention.

for (all) one’s trouble

phr. in spite of one’s efforts; in very poor payment for one’s efforts. He got a punch in the jaw for all his trouble.

for one’s trouble

verb

See for all one’s trouble