be for the high jump

be for the high jump

To be punished swiftly and harshly. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. You will be for the high jump if mom finds out that you came home past curfew again. When I was caught cheating on the test, I knew I was for the high jump.See also: high, jump

be for the high jump

be about to be severely punished. British informal This expression was first recorded in the early 20th century as a military term meaning ‘be put on trial before your commanding officer’. The image behind it is that of an execution by hanging.See also: high, jump

be for the ˈhigh jump

(British English, informal) be about to be punished, criticized, dismissed, etc: When your father sees your school report, you’ll be for the high jump.This was first used as a military term and refers to the punishment of hanging somebody.See also: high, jump