the devil to pay
US /ðə ˈdɛvəl tə peɪ/
UK /ðə ˈdɛvəl tə peɪ/
1.
大麻烦, 严重后果
serious trouble or severe consequences to face as a result of an action
:
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If you break that vase, there will be the devil to pay.
如果你打破那个花瓶，就会有大麻烦。
•
She knew there would be the devil to pay if she didn't finish her report on time.
她知道如果她不按时完成报告，就会有大麻烦。