Meaning of "When your parents find out what you've done

[Jonas Ferreira]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #70 "What the Devil", question 8

When your parents find out what you've done, you'll be in serious trouble and there'll be the devil to ..........

(a) show
(b) pay
(c) credit
(d) hold

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #70 "What the Devil", answer 8

When your parents find out what you've done, you'll be in serious trouble and there'll be the devil to pay.

Correct answer: (b) pay
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What does the whole sentence mean?

Jonas Ferreira

[Alan]

Hi,

There'll be the devil to pay means you will be in very serious trouble/you'll have to pay a high price for it.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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