Explore English traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-01
Sense: Verified- Meaning and lesson
A person's actions shape what happens next, and they may have to accept the results even when those results are unpleasant.
The proverb places responsibility on the person who made the choice. It suggests that regretting an outcome does not undo the decision that led to it.
- When it is used
Use it when someone faces a foreseeable consequence of a decision they made. It can sound harsh if the person had little control over the situation, so consider whether the outcome was truly their responsibility.
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: As you make your bed so you must lie on it.