pay off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Be successful or worthwhile in the end
Why “off”? The effort succeeds. It moves from an attempt to a result.
“Her hard work paid off when she got the job.”
“Months of training paid off.”
Don't confuse with
Pay off means be successful or worthwhile in the end. Pay back means return money that was borrowed.
Test yourself
“Her hard work paid off when she got the job.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
pay back
A contrast learners often mix up
Return money that was borrowed; Take revenge on someone for something they did
bring off
Same off pattern: success
Achieve something difficult successfully
carry off
Same off pattern: success
Successfully do something difficult
come off
Same off pattern: success
Become detached from something; Happen successfully as planned; Stop taking a medicine or substance; Give a particular impression to others; Be withdrawn from sale or service
pull off
Same off pattern: success
Succeed at something difficult
take off
Same off pattern: success
Remove clothing or accessories; Leave the ground (aircraft); Become suddenly successful
pay down
Same base verb: pay
Reduce a debt by making payments
pay for
Same base verb: pay
Give money to cover the cost of something
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