Phrasal verb
pay off
Meanings
to produce a good result after effort, time, or investment
to pay all the money you owe for something so that no debt remains
Definition
If something pays off, it brings a good result after effort or time.
To pay off means that hard work, patience, or a plan leads to a successful result. It is often used when the benefit comes later, not immediately. It can also mean to finish paying a debt completely.
Examples
- My practice finally paid off when I could play the song smoothly.
- Your patience will pay off if you keep learning a little every day.
- His networking paid off, and he got an interview the next week.
- They paid off their car loan last month and celebrated with a simple dinner.
Common mistake
Learners often say "pay off" when they mean "pay for" (buy something), but "pay off" means achieve a result or finish a debt.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.