the iron price 

To pay "the iron price" means or implies stealing something. If you paid the iron price for something, it serves to say the item has been stolen.

It comes from a concept in the George R. R. Martin fantasy series A Song of Ice And Fire and subsequent HBO adaptation Game of Thrones, wherein a culture known as the "ironborn" seize things from those they have defeated, rather than paying for them or treating for them.

The opposite of the iron price is "the gold price" -- paying for possessions, which is considered shameful among the ironborn.

Balon Greyjoy: "That bauble around your neck; did you pay the iron price for it, or the gold? ... Did you pull it from the neck of a corpse you made? ... Iron or Gold?"

Theon Greyjoy: "Gold..."

the iron price by The Kingslayer May 7, 2013

The Iron Price 

This is a word that relates to the Game of Thrones series, in which "the iron price" was described as paying for something with blood, either one's own, or anothers. Iron is a major component in the make-up of a person's blood, and the iron price clearly relates to this; versus paying for something with gold, silver, or something else. See also, the Iron Bank of Braavos, which has a similar concept relating to it.

Instead of paying with gold and silver, the conqueror bled on the battlefield; paying the iron price.

The Iron Price by Stopsayinghey January 17, 2023

pay the iron price 

To take a item by force while owner is present, not paying for it with money, gold, or service.

I did pay the iron price for this chain by leaving him bleeding on the floor.

pay the iron price by Youngjayhova November 4, 2013

Paying the iron price

is now the term one uses to describe the hangover experienced after a dark night of mischief.

eg. ‘I woke up in my friend’s sister’s bed and now I am paying the Iron Price’

Paying the iron price by ElCov March 29, 2013

Paid the iron price 

The nudity and sex scenes up and coming actors & actresses are required to do in Game of Thrones before becoming more established.

Khaleesi paid the iron price so often in Season 1, she hardly needs to get naked again for the rest of the show.

Paid the iron price by Little finger February 17, 2014