settle accounts after the harvest; bide one's time for revenge
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
to settle accounts after the autumn harvest; to wait until the final stage to judge who is right or wrong
neutralOriginally from agricultural practice where landlords settled rent accounts with peasants after the harvest. Now used metaphorically to mean deferring judgment or reckoning until the end of a process.
We shouldn't rush to conclusions now; we'll settle accounts after everything is finished.
The leader said they would settle accounts after the project is completed to see who is actually responsible.
verb
to bide one's time for revenge; to wait for an opportunity to retaliate after the fact
neutralOften implies holding a grudge and seeking revenge later when the target is vulnerable. Can carry a threatening tone.
He holds grudges; if you offend him now, he will eventually come to settle accounts with you.
Don't be too pleased with yourself; we'll settle accounts later!
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The boss isn't dealing with you now because he wants to settle accounts later.