for (one's) sins

for (one's) sins

As a punishment or disciplinary action for one's wrongdoing. Primarily heard in UK. Let me guess—I have to clean the toilets for my sins.See also: sin

for my sins

As a punishment for one's wrongs. Often used humorously. In confession, the priest urged me to do some good deeds for my sins. I must have been tasked with this boring project for my sins.See also: sin

for your sins

used to suggest that a task or duty is so onerous or unpleasant that it must be a punishment. chiefly British 1994 John Birmingham He Died With Felafel In His Hand Then the extended family that is Brisbane sent some people along to keep me company, and for my sins, I took them in. See also: sin

(do/be something) for your sins

(spoken, humorous, especially British English) be/do something as a punishment: ‘I hear you’re going to be the new manager.’ ‘Yes, for my sins.’See also: sin

for my sins

As a punishment for wrongdoing, used in a jocular way. This usage dates from about 1800. For example, “For my sins we’ve bought a vacation house in Spain.”See also: sin