Pay its way

verb phrase

To make enough money to cover its own costs.

The new movie is expected to pay its way from ticket sales alone.
Visual representation of "pay its way" - To make enough money to cover its own costs

Often appears as...

  • expected to pay its way
  • pay its way through
verb phrase

To contribute equally in a shared expense situation.

Everyone in the flat pays their own way, so we don't owe anything to each other.
Visual representation of "pay its way" - To contribute equally in a shared expense situation

Often appears as...

  • pays their own way
  • pay your own way

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb phrase

To make enough money to cover its own costs.

The new movie is expected to pay its way from ticket sales alone.
Visual representation of "pay its way" - To make enough money to cover its own costs

Often appears as...

  • expected to pay its way
  • pay its way through
verb phrase

To contribute equally in a shared expense situation.

Everyone in the flat pays their own way, so we don't owe anything to each other.
Visual representation of "pay its way" - To contribute equally in a shared expense situation

Often appears as...

  • pays their own way
  • pay your own way

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "pay its way"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Business Focus

Used in contexts of generating revenue to meet the cost of its operations.

Illustration for Business Focus
Our café must pay its way to remain open next year.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

Sometimes used metaphorically for things or actions justifying their existence by being useful.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
This expensive software needs to pay its way by improving our workflow.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Charity

Implies that something isn’t being subsidized or given financial support.

Illustration for Not Charity
The festival has to pay its way through ticket sales, without sponsors.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Business Focus

Used in contexts of generating revenue to meet the cost of its operations.

Illustration for Business Focus
Our café must pay its way to remain open next year.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

Sometimes used metaphorically for things or actions justifying their existence by being useful.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
This expensive software needs to pay its way by improving our workflow.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Charity

Implies that something isn’t being subsidized or given financial support.

Illustration for Not Charity
The festival has to pay its way through ticket sales, without sponsors.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Business Focus

Used in contexts of generating revenue to meet the cost of its operations.

Illustration for Business Focus
Our café must pay its way to remain open next year.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

Sometimes used metaphorically for things or actions justifying their existence by being useful.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
This expensive software needs to pay its way by improving our workflow.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Charity

Implies that something isn’t being subsidized or given financial support.

Illustration for Not Charity
The festival has to pay its way through ticket sales, without sponsors.
Visual representation of the word "Pay its way"

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