What's coming home to roost?

I'm curious, what exactly is meant by the phrase 'what's coming home to roost'? It seems to imply some form of consequences or payback, but in what context does it typically apply? Is it a reference to a particular historical event, or is it a more universal saying that can be applied to various situations where past actions come back to haunt someone? I'm eager to understand the origins and meanings behind this intriguing phrase.