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Pay the Fiddler

What Does "Pay the Fiddler" Mean?

homeidiomsPay the Fiddler
"Pay the fiddler" is an English idiom. It means "to suffer the negative consequences or face the penalty for one's actions or decisions."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "pay the fiddler" used in a sentence:
  • He enjoyed a life of excess for years, but now he's paying the fiddler with his health issues.
  • Those who engage in illegal activities may eventually have to pay the fiddler when they are caught and prosecuted.
  • Ignoring environmental concerns may lead future generations to pay the fiddler for our actions.
meaning for pay the fiddler

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Pay the Fiddler" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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