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consequence
pay the consequences
To face, accept, or suffer repercussions for one's actions or words, especially that which would be expected to incur punishment. (A less common version of "suffer the consequences.") After three nights of heavy drinking, I'm really going to be paying the consequences come Monday morning! With the judge handing down the maximum possible sentence, this monster will be paying the consequences for his crimes for the rest of his life.
in consequence (of something)
as a result of something; because of something. In consequence of the storm, there was no electricity. The wind blew down the wires. In consequence, we had no electricity.
face the consequences
to deal with the results of something you have said or done The law should force this man to face the consequences of running out on his family.
suffer the consequences
to experience the effects of something you have said or done
The witness decided to tell the truth and suffer the consequences. Usage notes: sometimes used in the form take the consequences: Sometimes we have to take the consequences for our beliefs.
in consequence
As a result, therefore, as in She was away for years and in consequence has few friends here. The prepositional phrase in consequence of means "as a result of," as in In consequence of this finding, there is sure to be further investigation. [Late 1600s]
of consequence
Important, as in For all matters of consequence we have to consult the board, or Only scientists of consequence have been invited to speak. This idiom was first recorded in 1489.
in consequence
As a result; consequently.