ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pay the penalty

idiom
Meaning

To incur negative consequences of one's deeds; to suffer as a result of some choice.


Examples
SIMPLE

If you break the rules, you must pay the penalty.

CONTEXTUAL

He ignored the warning signs about his health and eventually had to pay the penalty with a long hospital stay.

COMPLEX

Those who choose to ignore the long-term environmental consequences of their industrial practices will eventually pay the penalty when the natural resources are exhausted.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    hell to pay

    Very unpleasant consequences; a great deal of trouble.

  2. 02

    hit pay dirt

    To strike it rich; to get lucky or have a big break.

  3. 03

    marriage penalty

    A situation where a married couple pays more in taxes, typically income taxes, when filing jointly, than the two individuals would pay if filing as singles separately.

  4. 04

    pay a visit

    To visit.

  5. 05

    pay attention

    To attend; to be attentive; to focus one's attention.

  6. 06

    pay dividends

    To bring about something good as a result of past effort or actions.

  7. 07

    pay heed

    To give attention; to heed.

  8. 08

    pay homage to

    to show honor or respect to; to honor; to do, make or pay obeisance to

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