pay the fiddler

English

Pronunciation

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Verb

pay the fiddler (third-person singular simple present pays the fiddler, present participle paying the fiddler, simple past and past participle paid the fiddler)

1. (idiomatic) To face the consequences of one's actions.

   The three-day party had been a lot of fun, but now it was time to pay the fiddler.

2. (idiomatic) To contribute in order to participate.

   If you want to dance, you’ve got to pay the fiddler

Synonyms

• pay the piper