APAD: pay the piper

Definition

   to face the consequences of one's actions

 

Examples

   1) After procrastinating for weeks, Susie had to pay the piper staying up all

   night to finish her project.

 

   2) After consistently ignoring cybersecurity measures, the company had to pay

   the piper when a significant data breach occurred.

 

Etymology

   The idiom has roots in the medieval practice of paying pipers for their

   services, emphasizing the inevitable need to settle debts.

 

Synonyms

   reap what you sow, bear the brunt

 

- englishdaily626.com [edited]

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To be fair we also say "he who pays the piper calls the tune."