PhrasesHub

The Devil to pay

    Definitions

      • trouble or difficulty
        Refers to a situation that is likely to result in trouble or difficulty

      • imminent confrontation or conflict
        Indicates that a confrontation or conflict is about to occur

    Examples of The Devil to pay

    • The project required a lot of work, and if we didn't put in the effort, we would be left with The Devil to pay.

      This idiom means that if we don't do the necessary work, there will be serious consequences or negative consequences. It's a warning to ensure that we put in the necessary effort and don't leave anything undone, or we will face negative consequences, much like a deal with the devil would result in serious and negative consequences.

    • We had been working on the project for weeks, but at the last moment, we were left with The Devil to pay due to a mistake we made.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to explain a situation where we have left ourselves with problems or negative consequences due to our actions. In this case, despite working on the project for a long time, a mistake at the last moment has resulted in serious problems that we now have to deal with.

    • The CEO warned us that if we didn't achieve the targets set, we would have The Devil to pay.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe the consequences of failing to meet expectations. In this case, the CEO has warned the team that if they don't achieve the targets set, they will face serious consequences. This could mean negative consequences for their job, their reputation, or other serious consequences.

    • The politician's promises seemed too good to be true, and we all said there would be The Devil to pay if they came true.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to suggest that promises that sound too good to be true often have negative consequences. In this case, people are warning that if the politician's promises come true, there will be negative consequences, much like a deal with the devil would result in serious consequences. It's a way of warning that something that seems too good to be true often isn't, and that there are negative consequences to be aware of.

    • We can't afford this project without budget cuts elsewhere. The devil will have to pay for it.

      This idiom means that there will be adverse consequences, possibly financial ones, if a particular action or decision is taken. In the example, the company cannot afford a new project without cutting costs elsewhere, which could result in negative consequences or 'the devil paying' for it.

    • In order to finish this report by the deadline, I'll have to skip lunch and work straight through. The devil will be in the details, but I'll get it done.

      This idiom is often used to describe the importance of small, often overlooked details in a task or project. In the example, the speaker acknowledges that the report may have small errors or inconsistencies, but they are willing to prioritize finishing the report over taking a break for lunch.

    • The boss wants us to finish this project in half the time it usually takes. The devil will be in the details, but we'll do our best.

      This idiom is often used to express cautious optimism or the additional effort required to achieve a challenging goal. In the example, the speaker acknowledges that the tight deadline will likely result in some small errors or oversights, but they are committed to doing their best despite the extra work required.

    • We have to cut costs wherever we can if we want to break even this year. The devil will pay one way or another, but we have to make these decisions.

      This idiom highlights the sometimes difficult or unpleasant choices that are required in order to achieve a particular goal or outcome. In the example, the company faces multiple difficult decisions in order to reduce costs and achieve financial stability. The speaker acknowledges that these decisions will likely have negative consequences, but they are committed to making them anyway.


    Conclusion

    "The Devil to pay" is used to warn of trouble or difficulty ahead, or to indicate an imminent confrontation or conflict. It is often used to convey a sense of impending trouble or to describe a situation that is likely to result in negative consequences.

    The idiom is commonly used in informal conversations and literature to express a sense of impending trouble or conflict. It is often used to evoke a dramatic or ominous tone in a situation.

    Origin of "The Devil to pay"

    The origin of the idiom "The Devil to pay" can be traced back to the nautical term "devil," which refers to the seam in a ship's hull that is the most difficult to caulk. "Paying the devil" was a particularly challenging and unpleasant task for sailors. Over time, the expression evolved to mean a difficult or unpleasant situation.

    The idiom gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries and has since become a widely recognized phrase in the English language. Its nautical origins have contributed to its enduring use in everyday language to convey impending trouble or conflict.