the deuce to pay

there will be the deuce to pay

There will be a huge amount of trouble (if a particular thing does/does not happen or is/is not done). There'll be the deuce to pay if they catch us sneaking out this late at night! If you don't have that report finished by lunch, there will be the deuce to pay!
See also: deuce, pay, there, will
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the deuce to pay

trouble to be expected.
See also: deuce, pay
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • there will be the deuce to pay
  • there will be the devil to pay
  • devil to pay, the
  • the devil to pay
  • have the devil to pay
  • not want to catch (one) (doing something)
  • be in trouble
  • get in(to) trouble
  • get into trouble
  • in trouble
References in classic literature
I think it most probable-- though of course it's only an opinion--that you'll all have the deuce to pay before you get that malaria out of your systems.
Treasure Island
But there will be the deuce to pay when he discovers his loss.
The Return of Tarzan
My brewer has found out already how we served him, and there is the deuce to pay."
Jungle