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Whether the saying is “if they think that, then they’ve got another think coming” or “if they think that, then they’ve got another thing coming”.
That one always gets me. The phrase means that the person is wrong about something, and circumstances will compel them to reconsider their position or opinion. The word "think" refers to a cognitive process, such as reconsidering their position or opinion. As for the alternative, what's the "thing" that's coming? Their latest Amazon order is out for delivery?
Comeuppance.
Yeah, that's what I've always figured, since the implied threat of violence/retribution seems like a very American attitude.
What? No, just via circumstances. As in, the situation will have consequences you failed to predict.
I feel that "another thing coming" has mobster vibes, and a comeuppance is a deserved punishment.
Okay, well, it doesn't.
After a cursory search it seems like both are acceptable. "Think" appears to be the original phrase, but "thing" is more common today, especially in America.