hell to pay
Meaning
Serious trouble or punishment will follow because of something done wrong or risky.
Origin
Recorded from the 19th century. “To pay hell” draws on the older sense of “pay” meaning “suffer/endure (a penalty),” with “hell” used as an image of severe punishment.
Notes
A strong, informal warning that serious consequences are coming. Often implies anger/punishment from someone in authority; avoid in very formal contexts.
Examples
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If the boss finds out we missed the deadline, there’ll be hell to pay.
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You’ll have hell to pay if you touch my bike again.
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There’s going to be hell to pay when the neighbors see what the dog did to their garden.
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I knew there’d be hell to pay if I came home after midnight without calling.
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If the auditors discover those missing records, the company will have hell to pay.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Common patterns: “there’ll be hell to pay (if/when…)” and “(someone will) have hell to pay.” Usually fixed as “hell to pay” (rarely pluralized). Often preceded by there’s/there’ll be.
Synonyms
- be in deep trouble
- pay the price
- face the consequences
- be for it
Antonyms
- no harm done
- water under the bridge