The devil/hell to pay Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Negative Outcome Used when someone expects a negative result because of their actions. He didn't study at all, so there'll be the devil to pay after his exams. Pro Tip 2/3Immediate Consequences It suggests immediate and unavoidable consequences will follow. She missed her deadline; now there's the devil to pay. Pro Tip 3/3Risk Warning Warns about risks from a specific decision or action. If you skip the safety checks, there will be the devil to pay.