the devil to pay

What is the origin of the idiom "the devil to pay" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "the devil to pay" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from nautical terminology. In traditional wooden ship construction, the "devil" referred to a narrow seam or joint between the hull planks. This particular seam, known as "the devil," was challenging to access and caulk or seal. "To pay" in this context meant to seal or cover with pitch, tar, or other materials. The phrase "the devil to pay" was used to describe the arduous and difficult task of caulking or repairing this seam.