pay the penalty

pay the penalty

To experience the consequences of one's actions or misdeeds. If you get caught cheating on your exam, you'll have to pay the penalty—which could include expulsion. I sure paid the penalty for staying up late when I fell asleep at my desk in the library.See also: pay, penalty

pay the penalty

 1. Lit. to pay a fine for doing something wrong. You ran the red light and now you will have to pay the penalty. 2. Fig. to suffer the consequences for doing something wrong. My head really hurts. I am paying the penalty for getting drunk last night.See also: pay, penalty

pay the ˈprice/ˈpenalty (for something/for doing something)

suffer as a result of bad luck, a mistake or something you have done: They’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past and now they’re paying the price. ♢ I’m really paying the penalty for all those late nights. I feel terrible today.See also: pay, penalty, price