Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition pay off in American English

pay off phrasal verb

phrasal verb
1

if something that you do pays off, it brings you some benefit

Example

All those weeks of studying will pay off when you take the exam.

Synonyms and related words
pay off pay be worth someone’s while
2

to give someone money so that they will do something bad or dishonest for you

Example

There were suspicions that officials had been paid off.

Synonyms and related words
be on the take blackmail bribe
2.1

to give someone money so that they will not do something that will cause you problems, especially by telling people about something bad that you have done

Example

They threatened to tell reporters about him unless he paid them off.

Synonyms and related words
be on the take blackmail bribe
3

to give someone all the money that you have borrowed from them to buy something

Example

Only another six months and the house will be paid off.

Synonyms and related words
amortize clear compound
4

to stop employing a worker and give them any money that they are owed

Example

Over 1,000 workers will be paid off if this factory closes.

Synonyms and related words
fire lay off retire
Definition pay off in American English