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pay the piper

phrase

: to bear the cost of something
You have to do what they say because they are paying the piper.

Browse Nearby Words

pay the freight
pay the piper
pay through the nose
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Cite this Entry

“Pay the piper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pay%20the%20piper. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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