ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pay the price

idiom
Meaning

To incur the negative consequences of (one’s own or someone else’s) actions or decisions.


Examples
SIMPLE

If you break the rules, you will pay the price.

CONTEXTUAL

He ignored his doctor's advice for years and is now paying the price with his health.

COMPLEX

The company ignored the early warning signs of the market crash and eventually paid the price through a total loss of investor confidence.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    every man has a price

    Everyone can be bribed or corrupted for a certain price.

  2. 02

    hell to pay

    Very unpleasant consequences; a great deal of trouble.

  3. 03

    hit pay dirt

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

  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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