1
general::
Undergo a prison sentence; also, work at a particular task, especially an undesirable one. For example, We couldn't hire him when we learned that he had served time for robbery, or I applied for a transfer after serving time in that chaotic department. [Late 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): serve time
to spend a certain amount of time in jail. • The criminal served ten years in jail. • After the felon served his time, he was released from prison.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs