The devil/hell to pay
phrase
Serious issues or penalties coming as a result of an action or decision.
If he keeps procrastinating on his projects, there will be the devil to pay when his boss finds out.
Often appears as...
- there's the devil to pay
- there'll be the devil to pay
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Having a difficult or problematic task to deal with.
If we don't address the foundation problems in our house now, there could be hell to pay later.
Often appears as...
- could be hell to pay
- might be hell to pay
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Significant trouble or unpleasant consequences due to a wrongdoing.
If we get caught sneaking out, there will be the devil to pay.
Often appears as...
- there's the devil to pay
- there'll be the devil to pay
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Serious issues or penalties coming as a result of an action or decision.
If he keeps procrastinating on his projects, there will be the devil to pay when his boss finds out.
Often appears as...
- there's the devil to pay
- there'll be the devil to pay
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Having a difficult or problematic task to deal with.
If we don't address the foundation problems in our house now, there could be hell to pay later.
Often appears as...
- could be hell to pay
- might be hell to pay
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Significant trouble or unpleasant consequences due to a wrongdoing.
If we get caught sneaking out, there will be the devil to pay.
Often appears as...
- there's the devil to pay
- there'll be the devil to pay
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Outcome
Used when someone expects a negative result because of their actions.
He didn't study at all, so there'll be the devil to pay after his exams.
Pro Tip 2/3Immediate Consequences
It suggests immediate and unavoidable consequences will follow.
She missed her deadline; now there's the devil to pay.
Pro Tip 3/3Risk Warning
Warns about risks from a specific decision or action.
If you skip the safety checks, there will be the devil to pay.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Outcome
Used when someone expects a negative result because of their actions.
He didn't study at all, so there'll be the devil to pay after his exams.
Pro Tip 2/3Immediate Consequences
It suggests immediate and unavoidable consequences will follow.
She missed her deadline; now there's the devil to pay.
Pro Tip 3/3Risk Warning
Warns about risks from a specific decision or action.
If you skip the safety checks, there will be the devil to pay.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Outcome
Used when someone expects a negative result because of their actions.
He didn't study at all, so there'll be the devil to pay after his exams.
Pro Tip 2/3Immediate Consequences
It suggests immediate and unavoidable consequences will follow.
She missed her deadline; now there's the devil to pay.
Pro Tip 3/3Risk Warning
Warns about risks from a specific decision or action.
If you skip the safety checks, there will be the devil to pay.
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