pay the piper

VERB

bite the bullet

Synonyms

WEAK

be forced bow to fate cross the Rubicon face the music have no choice know no alternative leap into the breach seize the opportunity stand up and take it suck it up swallow the pill take it take one's medicine take the rap

VERB

face the music

Synonyms

WEAK

be punished bite the bullet come to grips with face the facts face up to face up to it grin and bear it look square in the eye make one's bed and lie on it swallow the pill take one's lumps take one's medicine take the consequences

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.

He’ll be happy merely going to his grave never having to pay the piper.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2025

Now the time has come for Jake to pay the piper.

From Fox News • Aug. 20, 2021

After all the theatrical fun and games, you’ll eventually have to pay the piper.

From New York Times • Feb. 18, 2020

“We will pay the piper on the other end — whatever the board decides we need to do.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 26, 2018

But really, if you commit a crime you have to pay the piper, what did she expect?

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver