hell to pay 

In the days of sailing ships "hell" was the term for the bottom of the boat; the hottest, dankest, smelliest area. To "pay" described mopping tar in "hell" to help keep the ship sea-worthy. It was also the worst job to have handed you. Thus the saying, "you'll have hell to pay" or rather you'll be sorry if you don't do as I say.

Clean your room or you'll have hell to pay!

hell to pay by Burt Trmlicker December 29, 2008

hell to pay 

A day of reckoning is right around the corner. Settling up with the big red guy. Big in karma circles.

"There'll be hell to pay for gluing my head to the carpet... again."

hell to pay by Dead Tom February 14, 2008