hell to pay

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But if there’s hell to pay for ignoring a judicial order, then it won’t be ignored.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2025

He did not identify the Kremlin faction but said that it continued its attempts to sow discord, it would have "hell to pay".

From Reuters • Jun. 3, 2023

For the Astros, there would be hell to pay.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2020

“It means somebody didn’t do their job. There’s going to be hell to pay for that.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2018

I know this is a risky maneuver—the minute they realize I’m gone, there will be hell to pay.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan