poetic justice

The phrase "poetic justice" refers to a situation in which someone experiences a fitting or deserved consequence for their actions. It is a notion that events and outcomes in life, particularly in literature or storytelling, can symbolically align the punishment or reward with the character's actions or moral choices. The term "poetic" in this context implies a certain elegance, harmony, or balance in the way justice is served, often in a manner that is satisfying or emotionally resonant for the audience.