Phrasal verb
pay off
If something pays off, it brings a good result after effort or time.
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
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.