a high price to pay

1. Literally, a large amount of money required to do or obtain something. I actually feel like $400 is a pretty high price to pay for such dinky little speakers. This costs $25? That's kind of a high price to pay for a hamburger, don't you think? You know Dad, he thinks any amount over $20 is a high price to pay for a pair of shoes.

2. A very significant amount of effort, inconvenience, or sacrifice necessary (to attain or accomplish something). I know the grueling hours seem like a high price to pay, but that's what it takes to work at the top of this industry. If you ask me, giving up sweets is a high price to pay, even if it does make you healthier in the long run. I loved playing professional basketball, but all the travel became a high price to pay once I had kids.

3. A very significant consequence or repercussion that comes as a result of some decision or course of action. We could save a lot of money if we started cutting corners in the production process, but losing the integrity of our brand is too high a price to pay. A: "His reputation got dragged through the mud by the media, which is a high price to pay." B: "Yeah, but maybe it's the cost of fame." Divorce is a high price to pay, but he should have thought twice before cheating on his wife.