Pay back
verb
Return money that was borrowed.
He borrowed some money from me last month and he paid me back yesterday.
Often appears as...
- pay back a loan
- pay back in full
verb
To do something good for someone as a response for their help.
She helped me a lot during my illness. I am looking for an opportunity to pay her back.
Often appears as...
- pay back a favor
- pay back the kindness
Usage tips
Approving
General, Idiomatic
verb
To punish or take revenge.
He cheated me, I will pay him back for this.
Often appears as...
- pay back for betrayal
- pay back in anger
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
Return money that was borrowed.
He borrowed some money from me last month and he paid me back yesterday.
Often appears as...
- pay back a loan
- pay back in full
verb
To do something good for someone as a response for their help.
She helped me a lot during my illness. I am looking for an opportunity to pay her back.
Often appears as...
- pay back a favor
- pay back the kindness
Usage tips
Approving
General, Idiomatic
verb
To punish or take revenge.
He cheated me, I will pay him back for this.
Often appears as...
- pay back for betrayal
- pay back in anger
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Time Frame
Specify when you'll return the money to show responsibility and build trust.
I'll pay you back next Friday.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Cash
'Pay back' can mean returning the same amount in a different form, not just money.
He didn't have the money, so he paid me back with his guitar.
Pro Tip 3/3Gratitude Expression
When repaying a loan, expressing thanks can show appreciation for the lender's help.
Here’s the money I owe you, thank you for helping me out.
Pro Tip 1/3Time Frame
Specify when you'll return the money to show responsibility and build trust.
I'll pay you back next Friday.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Cash
'Pay back' can mean returning the same amount in a different form, not just money.
He didn't have the money, so he paid me back with his guitar.
Pro Tip 3/3Gratitude Expression
When repaying a loan, expressing thanks can show appreciation for the lender's help.
Here’s the money I owe you, thank you for helping me out.
Pro Tip 1/3Time Frame
Specify when you'll return the money to show responsibility and build trust.
I'll pay you back next Friday.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Cash
'Pay back' can mean returning the same amount in a different form, not just money.
He didn't have the money, so he paid me back with his guitar.
Pro Tip 3/3Gratitude Expression
When repaying a loan, expressing thanks can show appreciation for the lender's help.
Here’s the money I owe you, thank you for helping me out.
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