with interest
1. Literally, with an additional accrued amount of income, typically based on a fixed monthly percentage of the total outstanding amount. With interest, a $20,000 loan could end up costing you upwards of $100,000 by the time it is fully repaid. I promised that I would pay him back with interest for the money he lent me.
2. With a greater amount or to a greater degree than what was received or would be considered equal. I was furious when I got fired from my job, but I'll pay them back with interest once I get this virus uploaded to their IT network. The judge sentenced the killer to 10 consecutive life sentences—one for each of his victims, with interest.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
with interest
With more than what one should receive, extra, and then some. For example, Mary borrowed Jane's new dress without asking, but Jane paid her back with interest-she drove off in Mary's car . This idiom alludes to interest in the financial sense. Its figurative use dates from the late 1500s.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.