Pay the Piper

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Pay the Piper

1. To repay a debt.

2. To face a coming punishment, especially if one has made a serious mistake. One pays the piper by facing the wronged supervisor or client.

References in periodicals archive ?

They all know what it's about as they have got to pay the piper.

THREE MINUTES OF BLOODY MAYHEM; GLASGOW GARAGE SHOOTING TRIAL Witness sent 'ransom' note tells of gun terror

Since we pay the piper, though, we ought to call the tune - however humble our status.

Healthy outlook from outposts

In fact it wouldn't pay them to play any games that couldn't guarantee a full house even at Croke Park, I can only see one winner in this dispute and it is the clubs who pay the piper.

Clubs will get last say on players

Nickel & Dime (1992) C Thomas Howell hasn't forked over taxes in eight years--thanks to CPA Wallace Shawn--but now it's time to pay the piper.

Lights, camera, accountants

That's obscene and footballer's wages are now beginning to turn the stomachs of those who pay the piper.

It's a murky business in the world of football

I guess I've always unconsciously expected this day would come - it's time to pay the piper.

Flight of Aquavit

Cocco pointed out that those who evaded paying the import duties on their cars or other vehicles will not be able to renew their license plates unless they pay the piper.

Tax evasion denounced

After this handsome opening, Parsons proceeded merely to illustrate the tale of greedy townies refusing to pay the piper for ridding their burg of vermin, so that the piper charms their kiddies away and turns them into stars.

ABT SPRINGS FORWARD

It is the clients who pay the piper who are in the best position to call the tune so this may be the breakthrough which can lead in the long run to a profound change in the culture of the industry.