pay the piper

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

To suffer the results of being foolish; pay or suffer because of your foolish acts or wasting money.

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.

Compare: FACE THE MUSIC (2).

(From the proverb "He who dances must pay the piper (or the fiddler).")