devil to pay

phrase

: severe consequences
—used with the
There'll be the devil to pay if we're late.

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of devil to pay was in 1728

Rhymes for devil to pay

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Browse Nearby Words

devil theory
devil to pay
devilward
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Devil to pay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devil%20to%20pay. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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