pays back
Settles a debt
Pays back means to return money owed or to reciprocate an action.
You pay back a loan by repaying the principal.
You pay back a favor by doing something kind in return.
The phrase often carries a note of revenge: I'll pay him back for what he did to me.
The noun payback refers to retaliation or the return on an investment.
- settleReach final terms
- reimburseReturn money owed
- debtMoney owed another
- refundMoney returned after purchase
- retaliateRespond to injury alike
settle the score · return · return the favor · favor · in kind · compensate · avenge · get even · reciprocate · discharge · bill · retribution · eye for an eye · redeem · make amends · remunerate · owe · cash