pay back
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To pay (a debt or the lender) so as to provide the entire amount of money owed.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Douglas: Roy, give me £20.
Roy: What?
Douglas: Give me £20. I'll pay you back.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To avenge, to exact revenge.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “pay back” mean?
To pay (a debt or the lender) so as to provide the entire amount of money owed.
Is “pay back” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.