Origin: The phrase comes from the idea of chickens returning to their coop at the end of the day, which is seen as a time of reckoning or judgment. In a metaphorical sense, it suggests that the chickens represent any unresolved problems or consequences of past actions that may eventually catch up with a person.
The phrase is often used as a warning or reminder that one's actions will eventually have consequences and cannot be avoided or ignored indefinitely. It can also imply a sense of accountability or responsibility for the choices one has made.