get more than (one) bargained for

get more than (one) bargained for

To receive more than one anticipated or face an unexpected outcome in a given situation, especially that which is unfavorable or difficult to manage. I got more than I bargained for when I took on this job as a dishwasher—my manager has me doing just about every menial task in the restaurant! Jason thought it would be easy getting a job after college, but he got more than he bargained for trying find one in today's economy.
See also: bargain, get, more
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • dessert
  • get (one's) just deserts
  • get just deserts
  • get your deserts
  • get your just deserts
  • receive (one's) just deserts
  • just deserts
  • be in a cleft stick
  • cleft
  • in a cleft stick