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Phrasal verbs "pay off" vs "pay up"

Differences between pay off and pay up

Pay off means to finish paying a debt or to receive a benefit as a result of one's actions, while pay up means to pay the full amount owed, especially when it's overdue.

Meanings and Definitions: pay off vs pay up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Pay off

  • 1Completely repay a debt.

    The mortgage will be PAID OFF in twenty - five years.

  • 2Produce a profitable or successful result.

    Their patience PAID OFF when he finally showed up and signed the contract.

Pay up

  • 1To pay a debt or amount owed, especially when it is reluctantly or under pressure.

    At any rate, there's enough doubt now so that I can tell Montagu not to pay up, which is all I care about.

Usage Examples: pay off, pay up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

pay off

Example

I plan to pay off my student loans within five years.

Example

She pays off her credit card balance every month.

pay up

Example

He needs to pay up before the deadline.

Example

She always pays up her debts on time.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pay off

settle a debt

To pay the full amount owed to someone or an institution.

Example

After years of hard work, he finally settled his debt and became debt-free.

reap the benefits

To receive a reward or advantage as a result of one's efforts or investment.

Example

Her dedication and perseverance finally paid off, and she was able to reap the benefits of her success.

cash in on

To profit or gain an advantage from a situation or opportunity.

Example

Some people try to cash in on the latest trends by investing in stocks or starting a business.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pay up

settle a bill

To pay the full amount owed for goods or services received.

Example

Before leaving the restaurant, they made sure to settle their bill and leave a generous tip for the waiter.

cough up

To pay a sum of money, especially when it's unexpected or unwelcome.

Example

He had to cough up a hefty fine for parking in a no-parking zone.

ante up

To contribute or pay a share of the cost or expenses for something.

Example

Everyone had to ante up for the surprise birthday party and pitch in for decorations and food.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “pay”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in pay off vs pay up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: pay off or pay up?

Both pay off and pay up are commonly used in everyday conversation, but pay off is more versatile and can be used in various contexts. On the other hand, pay up is usually used when someone owes money and needs to pay it back immediately.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pay off and pay up

Pay off and pay up are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, pay up can sound more forceful or demanding, especially when used in a confrontational situation.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of pay off and pay up

The tone of pay off is usually positive or neutral, indicating that a debt has been cleared or a goal has been achieved. In contrast, pay up can have a negative or urgent tone, implying that someone needs to fulfill their obligation as soon as possible.

pay off & pay up: Synonyms and Antonyms

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