pay the piper

Cultural  

1. To pay the consequences for self-indulgent behavior: “If you stay up late at night to watch TV, in the morning you will have to pay the piper.”

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pay the piper Idioms  

1. see under call the tune.

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Example Sentences

“And if it feels too good to be true, that’s because it is. Sooner or later, you’ve got to pay the piper.”

From Salon

He’ll be happy merely going to his grave never having to pay the piper.

From Salon

In fact, whether you’re a full-time worker dealing with a single 1040 or a freelancer / gig worker getting a series of 1099s, the fastest way to pay the piper these days is to do it online.

From The Verge

"Now it's time to pay the piper."

From Salon

Now the time has come for Jake to pay the piper.

From Fox News