instant karma
nounEtymology From instant + karma.
1
A circumstance where something deserving but unexpected happens, especially, when a person's actions backfire and cause an immediate unforeseen and unintended effect that may be deemed just deserts for those actions.
- Don't surround yourself with yourself Move on back two squares Send an instant karma to me Initial it with loving care.1971, Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, “I've Seen All Good People”, performed by Yes:
- The eyes that met Paul's across a crowded London club 22 years ago when she was an unknown freelance photographer and he was, what? A god? "Instant karma" — this said romantically.1991 May 5, The Canberra Times, page 9, column 2:
- Related terms
- duskarma, karma, karmic blowback, karmic debt