Pay off
verb
To give someone all the money you owe them.
I finally managed to pay off all my debts.
Often appears as...
- pay off debt
- pay off mortgage
verb
To result in a good outcome or advantage.
His hard work finally paid off when he was promoted.
Often appears as...
- hard work pay off
- efforts pay off
verb
To give money to someone so that they do not cause trouble or reveal secret information.
He tried to pay off the witnesses to keep them quiet.
Often appears as...
- pay off witnesses
- pay off police
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To give someone all the money you owe them.
I finally managed to pay off all my debts.
Often appears as...
- pay off debt
- pay off mortgage
verb
To result in a good outcome or advantage.
His hard work finally paid off when he was promoted.
Often appears as...
- hard work pay off
- efforts pay off
verb
To give money to someone so that they do not cause trouble or reveal secret information.
He tried to pay off the witnesses to keep them quiet.
Often appears as...
- pay off witnesses
- pay off police
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Financial Liberation
Paying off debt brings a sense of relief and financial freedom.
After paying off her student loan, she felt financially liberated.
Pro Tip 2/2Ultimate Goal
The phrase 'pay off' suggests a final target in finance, like completing a payment plan.
He plans to pay off his car by next year.
Pro Tip 1/2Financial Liberation
Paying off debt brings a sense of relief and financial freedom.
After paying off her student loan, she felt financially liberated.
Pro Tip 2/2Ultimate Goal
The phrase 'pay off' suggests a final target in finance, like completing a payment plan.
He plans to pay off his car by next year.
Pro Tip 1/2Financial Liberation
Paying off debt brings a sense of relief and financial freedom.
After paying off her student loan, she felt financially liberated.
Pro Tip 2/2Ultimate Goal
The phrase 'pay off' suggests a final target in finance, like completing a payment plan.
He plans to pay off his car by next year.
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