🔥 Hell to Pay, There’ll Be
Definition: The consequences will be terrible; there’ll be a heavy penalty.
Originating around 1800, this term ominously suggested discord or severe trouble. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) even cites a letter by Lord Paget from 1807: “There has been hell to pay between the Dukes of York and Cumberland.”
Related Idioms and Expressions
- In hot water: Facing serious trouble or difficulties.
- To stir the pot: To cause trouble or controversy.
- The shit will hit the fan: Expect severe consequences soon.
Synonyms
- Serious consequences
- Major repercussions
- Dire trouble
Antonyms
- Smooth sailing
- No consequences
- Trouble-free
Humor-filled Quote
“If you’re looking for trouble, you came to the right place. Hell to pay has excellent customer service!” - Punny Patterson
Proverbs
- “As you sow, so shall you reap.” This wise saying reminds us that our actions (good or bad) will have corresponding consequences.
- “Haste makes waste.” Rushing into things can lead to dire results, calling for extensive cleanup later.
Literary References
- “Paradise Lost” by John Milton: Dive deep into the story of Lucifer and the price of rebellion.
- “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare: A fascinating tale where greed and ambition bring dire consequences.
Movies
- “Hellboy” (2004): Fighting fire with fire comes with hefty costs and intense consequences.
- “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (2018): The stakes have never been higher with serious repercussions on the line.
Inspirational Farewell
“Remember, the seeds we plant today become the forests we inhabit tomorrow. Act wisely, consider the consequences, and may your endeavours bring you peace, not hell to pay.”
### Which of these phrases suggests severe forthcoming trouble?
- [x] Hell to pay, there'll be
- [ ] Smooth sailing
- [ ] Peace and quiet
- [ ] Streaming sunshine
> **Explanation:** "Hell to pay, there'll be" suggests serious troublesome consequences ahead. The others evoke calm, trouble-free scenarios.
### Which idiom means facing severe repercussions?
- [x] The shit will hit the fan
- [ ] Biting off more than you can chew
- [ ] Every cloud has a silver lining
- [ ] Cool as a cucumber
> **Explanation:** "The shit will hit the fan" literally means a major disturbance or problem is imminent. The others are expressions with entirely different meanings.
### Which is a true idiom for facing serious trouble?
- [x] In hot water
- [ ] Walking over lemonades
- [ ] Baking trouble pies
- [ ] Stirring smooth soup
> **Explanation:** "In hot water" describes being in serious trouble. The other choices are made-up, nonsensical expressions.
