pay the piper
To pay a price that you deem high or unfair, but failing to pay the price often results in dire consequences.
Based on the story of the Pied Piper, who removed the rats from a town, and when not paid, he took their children instead!
Based on the story of the Pied Piper, who removed the rats from a town, and when not paid, he took their children instead!
Example:
Don't you know the Mafia collects protection here? If you want to run a business in this town, you have to pay the piper.
Don't you know the Mafia collects protection here? If you want to run a business in this town, you have to pay the piper.