Pay for itself
verb
When an item or project saves or makes enough money over time to cover its original cost.
The energy-efficient light bulbs are expensive, but they will pay for themselves within a year with the money you save on electricity.
Often appears as...
- something will pay for itself
- pay for itself over time
verb
When an item or project saves or makes enough money over time to cover its original cost.
The energy-efficient light bulbs are expensive, but they will pay for themselves within a year with the money you save on electricity.
Often appears as...
- something will pay for itself
- pay for itself over time
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Investment Context
Often used in financial or business situations to suggest a smart purchase or project that saves costs.
Investing in this software will pay for itself by boosting our team's productivity.
Pro Tip 2/3Time Frame
Implies recovery of costs over a period, which can be short or long-term.
The solar panels might be pricey, but they'll pay for themselves in 5 years.
Pro Tip 3/3Cost-Benefit
Reflects cost-saving benefits; the initial expense leads to future savings.
Though the electric car is costly, it will soon pay for itself in gas savings.
Pro Tip 1/3Investment Context
Often used in financial or business situations to suggest a smart purchase or project that saves costs.
Investing in this software will pay for itself by boosting our team's productivity.
Pro Tip 2/3Time Frame
Implies recovery of costs over a period, which can be short or long-term.
The solar panels might be pricey, but they'll pay for themselves in 5 years.
Pro Tip 3/3Cost-Benefit
Reflects cost-saving benefits; the initial expense leads to future savings.
Though the electric car is costly, it will soon pay for itself in gas savings.
Pro Tip 1/3Investment Context
Often used in financial or business situations to suggest a smart purchase or project that saves costs.
Investing in this software will pay for itself by boosting our team's productivity.
Pro Tip 2/3Time Frame
Implies recovery of costs over a period, which can be short or long-term.
The solar panels might be pricey, but they'll pay for themselves in 5 years.
Pro Tip 3/3Cost-Benefit
Reflects cost-saving benefits; the initial expense leads to future savings.
Though the electric car is costly, it will soon pay for itself in gas savings.
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