hell to pay

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"If that was an England footballer, there would be hell to pay," he said.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

But if there’s hell to pay for ignoring a judicial order, then it won’t be ignored.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2025

He did not identify the Kremlin faction but said that it continued its attempts to sow discord, it would have "hell to pay".

From Reuters • Jun. 3, 2023

“There’s going to be hell to pay for this.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2022

I know this is a risky maneuver—the minute they realize I’m gone, there will be hell to pay.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan