The difference between Pay the penalty and Pay the piper

When used as verbs, pay the penalty means to incur negative consequences of one's deeds, whereas pay the piper means to pay expenses for something, and thus be in a position to be in control.


check bellow for the other definitions of Pay the penalty and Pay the piper

  1. Pay the penalty as a verb:

    To incur negative consequences of one's deeds; to suffer as a result of some choice.

  1. Pay the piper as a verb (idiomatic):

    To pay expenses for something, and thus be in a position to be in control.

  2. Pay the piper as a verb (idiomatic):

    To pay a monetary debt or experience unfavorable consequences, especially when the payment or consequences are inevitable in spite of attempts to avoid them.