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pay back

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Legal, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
pay someone back 
1. . Lit. to return money that was borrowed from a person. You owe me money. When are you going to pay me back? You must pay John back. You have owed him money for a long time. You have to pay back everyone you owe money to.
2. Fig. to get even with someone [for doing something]. I will pay her back for what she said about me. Fred eventually will pay Mike back. He bears grudges for a long time. He intends to pay back everyone who has wronged him!
See also: back, pay

pay something back (to someone)

to repay someone. I paid the money back to Jerry. Can I pay back the money to George now? Please pay the money back now.
See also: back, pay
pay somebody/something back also pay back somebody/something
to return money that you have borrowed I'll pay you back as soon as I get my next paycheck. I'll pay the money back on Friday. It will take years for him to pay back his student loans.
See also: back, pay
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After his losses, he had determined to pay back his debt to his parents in five years.
War and Peace by Tolstoy, Leo View in context
Your aunts have done everything in the world for you,--more than I've ever been able to do,--and it is your turn to pay back some o' their kindness and show your gratitude.
Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm by Wiggin, Kate Douglas View in context
Athelny to pay back part of what he owed her, but she would not take more than half a sovereign.
Of Human Bondage by Maugham, W. Somerset View in context
 
 
 
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