pay for
Settle the bill
To pay for something is to give money in exchange for it: I paid for the drinks.
More broadly, pay for means to suffer consequences: He paid for his mistakes, You'll pay for this.
The phrase connects cost to outcome—whether the currency is money, effort, or suffering.
Return money owed
- compensateMake up for
- coverProtect by overlaying
- foot the billPay entire cost
- financeProvide money for
fund · clear · discharge · defray · square · settle up · pick up the tab · remit
Experience pain or distress
- regretSorrow over past actions
- atoneMake reparation for wrongdoing
- karmaSpiritual cause and effect
- comeuppanceDeserved punishment or rebuke
retribution · price · cost · penalty · punishment · payback · learn the hard way · reap
reimburse
Return money owed
- compensateMake up for
- coverProtect by overlaying
- foot the billPay entire cost
finance · fund · clear · discharge · defray · square · settle up · pick up the tab · remit · chip in
suffer
Experience pain or distress
comeuppance · retribution · price · cost · penalty · punishment · payback · learn the hard way · reap · bitter pill