for the high jump

for the high jump

In a position to face swift and harsh punishment. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. You will be for the high jump if you come home past curfew again. When I was caught cheating on the test, I knew I was for the high jump.
See also: high, jump
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

for the high jump

BRITISH, OLD-FASHIONED
If someone is for the high jump, it is certain that they will be punished for something they have done wrong. If Cartwright catches us now, we'll be for the high jump. Note: This expression may refer to criminals in the past being sentenced to death by hanging.
See also: high, jump
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • be for the high jump
  • cop it
  • sign (one's) own death warrant
  • sign one's own death warrant
  • sign own death warrant
  • sign your own death warrant
  • like a ton of bricks
  • come home
  • give (one's) head for the washing
  • get hell about (something)
References in periodicals archive
The 21-year-old heptathlete star, who represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics, displayed her prodigious talent by breaking the British record for the high jump and then followed this up with victory in the long jump, setting a new personal best.
RECORD BREAKER; with Rob Kelly SPORT NAME ATHLETICS robkellyathletics@gmail.com Johnson-Thompson enjoys 'staggering' event in Sheffield
After winning the 100 hurdles with a time of 13.50 seconds into a slight headwind, she began to unravel during warmups for the high jump, unable to clear a bar.
Theisen looks as if she was never away
LEAP AHEAD: Great Britain's Martyn Bernard during today's qualifying for the high jump finals
Young stars take chance to impress
As well as the heptathlon she has achieved the qualifying standards for the high jump and long jump.
Meredith is handed Euro call; ATHLETICS