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Pay back
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Meaning:
Repay money borrowed
Example:
I PAID BACK the twenty pounds I'd borrowed.
Notes:
- Separable [optional]
- International English
- Separable [optional]
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Pay back
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Meaning:
Take revenge on
Example:
I'm going to PAY him BACK for that insult.
Notes:
- Separable [obligatory]
- International English
- Separable [obligatory]
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Pay down
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Meaning:
Pay a debt over time
Example:
The British government can't PAY DOWN the national debt.
Notes:
- Separable [optional]
- International English
- Separable [optional]
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Pay for
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Meaning:
Purchase
Example:
I PAID twenty pounds FOR the book.
Notes:
- Separable [obligatory]
- International English
- Separable [obligatory]
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Pay into
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Meaning:
Deposit money
Example:
I PAID the cash INTO my account.
Notes:
- Separable [obligatory]
- International English
- Separable [obligatory]
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Pay off
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Meaning:
Completely repay a debt
Example:
The mortgage will be PAID OFF in twenty-five years.
Notes:
- Separable [optional]
- International English
- Separable [optional]
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Pay off
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Meaning:
Produce a profitable or successful result
Example:
Their patience PAID OFF when he finally showed up and signed the contract.
Notes:
- Intransitive
- International English
- Intransitive