pay the piper

pay the piper или pay the fiddler  {v. phr.}

Страдать от последствий глупости; платить или страдать из-за своих глупых поступков или пустых растрат.

Bob had spent all his money and got into debt, so now he must pay the piper.

Fred had a fight, broke a window, and quarreled with his counselor so now he must pay the fiddler.

Ср.: FACE THE MUSIC (2).

(От поговорки "He who dances must pay the piper (or the fiddler).")