There will be hell to pay Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈðɛɹ/ /ˈwɪɫ/, /wəɫ/ /ˈbi/, /bi/ /ˈhɛɫ/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈpeɪ

THAIR wihll bee HEL too PAY

UK

ðˈeə/ /wˈɪl/ /bˈiː/ /hˈɛl/ /tˈuː/ /pˈeɪ

THAIR will bee HEL too PAY

Definition

This expression means that there will be serious trouble or consequences if something happens or if someone finds out about something.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal, dramatic idiom warning of serious consequences, often used by parents, bosses, or in warnings. It expresses strong disapproval or a threat of punishment, not literal 'hell'. Commonly used in the future tense: 'there will be hell to pay' or 'there'll be hell to pay'.

• Spanish: habrá un gran problema - va a arder Troya - habrá consecuencias graves
• Portuguese (BR): vai dar ruim - haverá sérias consequências - vai dar confusão
• Portuguese (PT): vai haver sarilho - vai dar bronca - haverá sérias consequências
• Chinese (Simplified): 会有大麻烦
• Chinese (Traditional): 會有大麻煩
• Hindi: भारी मुसीबत आ जाएगी - गंभीर नतीजे होंगे
• Arabic: سيكون هناك عواقب وخيمة - ستكون هناك مشكلة كبيرة
• Bengali: শাস্তি হবে - বড় বিপদ হবে
• Russian: будут большие неприятности - будет разборка
• Japanese: 大変なことになる - ひどく叱られる
• Vietnamese: sẽ rắc rối to - sẽ bị phạt nặng
• Korean: 큰일 난다 - 엄청 혼난다
• Turkish: bunun bedeli ağır olur - büyük sorun çıkar
• Urdu: سخت سزا ملے گی - بہت برا حال ہوگا
• Indonesian: akan ada masalah besar - bakal kena masalah

Example Sentences

If mom finds out you broke the vase, there will be hell to pay.

basic

If you’re late for work again, there will be hell to pay.

basic

Don’t touch dad’s tools or there will be hell to pay.

basic

If they find out we lied, there will be hell to pay for both of us.

natural

Mess up this project and there will be hell to pay—the boss won't let it slide.

natural

Trust me, if the neighbors hear that noise again, there will be hell to pay.

natural