pay the penalty

pay the penalty

To experience the consequences of one's actions or misdeeds. If you get caught cheating on your exam, you'll have to pay the penalty—which could include expulsion. I sure paid the penalty for staying up late when I fell asleep at my desk in the library.
See also: pay, penalty
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pay the penalty

 
1. Lit. to pay a fine for doing something wrong. You ran the red light and now you will have to pay the penalty.
2. Fig. to suffer the consequences for doing something wrong. My head really hurts. I am paying the penalty for getting drunk last night.
See also: pay, penalty
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

pay the ˈprice/ˈpenalty (for something/for doing something)

suffer as a result of bad luck, a mistake or something you have done: They’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past and now they’re paying the price. I’m really paying the penalty for all those late nights. I feel terrible today.
See also: pay, penalty, price
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • pay the price/penalty
  • penalty
  • pay the price
  • pay the price, to
  • make a clean breast
  • make a clean breast of
  • make a clean breast of (something)
  • make a clean breast of it
  • make a clean breast of something
  • atone for (something)
References in classic literature
"I have kept you locked up," said the Sultan, "so that in case my son was lost, your life should pay the penalty. He has now returned; so take your horse, and begone for ever."
Arabian Nights
Before the new systems motorists had to pay the penalty through the bank.
City Hall automates payment for clamping charges
The convict would have to undergo a further period of 6 months imprisonment if he failed to pay the penalty.
MCT Court awards 5 year imprisonment in a narcotics case
The legislation is drafted so the owner of the vehicle is liable to pay the penalty. It doesn't matter whether you were driving.
Driven mad over bus fine
'Just in case they could not pay the penalty, we will file the case,' he further added.
69 violators of liquor, smoking ban arrested
"All those responsible for illegally constructions in Bani Gala will be fined and PM Imran should be the first to pay the penalty and get his property regularised," the chief justice remarked.
PM Imran will have to get his Bani Gala property regularised: CJP
Summary: When he tried to appeal the fine, he was told he will end up in court if he fails to pay the penalty.
Man fined Dh1,400 for keeping rubbish in office car
HYDERABAD -- Sindh High Court has ordered the jail authorities to deport the Indian prisoner who has completed his sentence but is serving an extended term in the prison because he did not pay the penalty.
SHC orders to deport Indian prisoner to his country
This appeal is addressed especially to the Albanians from Ohrid, Bitola, Krusevo, Veles, Prilep, Gazi Baba, Karpos, Center and several other municipalities where they are below 20%.Because if they punish you for illegal use of the Albanian language, you will pay the penalty yourself, neither Ali Ahmeti, Zijadin Sela, etc., nor even Edi Rama or Ilir Meta will pay, who are affected by this infantile euphoria, even worse than our politicians in Macedonia", writes the commentary of "Lajm".
DO NOT BELIEVE POLITICIANS, THEY ARE LYING THAT THE ALBANIAN LANGUAGE HAS BEEN OFFICIALIZED! YOU COULD BE PUNISHED!
Nearly nine of 10 the people who don't have health insurance don't have to pay the penalty, because there are many exemptions.
The ACA Individual Mandate Is Not Worth the Fuss
Because many of these farmers do not have sterling credit profiles, many banks opt to pay the penalty than face risks of loan defaults.
Landbank set to issue special bonds
In a consent order, the company agreed to maintain compliance with applicable regulations and pay the penalty.
Atlas Box assessed $4,320 DEP penalty
Outside court, he stressed that he would pay the penalty from his own savings without using his council salary.
Candidate broke poll cash law
The proposed rules are aimed at ensuring that only a "limited group of taxpayers who choose to spend a substantial period of time without coverage despite having ready access to affordable coverage" will have to pay the penalty, according to an HHS fact sheet.
Feds get specific on ACA's individual mandate rules