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to pay off
[phrase form: pay]
01
(of a plan or action) to succeed and have good results
Intransitive
Example
All those hours of studying really paid off during the exam.
Their investment in the startup paid off when the company went public.
02
to give the full amount of money owed on a debt or loan
Transitive: to pay off a debt or loan
Example
She finally paid off her student loans after ten years.
I ca n't wait to pay my mortgage off and own the house outright.
03
to get revenge on someone for something they did
Transitive: to pay off sb
Example
They waited for the right moment to pay the bullies off.
Mark was always looking for a chance to pay off his old rivals.
04
to give something back to someone in return for something they did
Transitive: to pay off sb
Example
To pay him off for his years of service, they named a building after him.
They paid off the neighbors with a lavish dinner for watching their house while they were away.
05
to give someone money, often secretly, to get a favor or advantage
Transitive: to pay off sb
Example
Politicians should n't be allowed to be paid off by corporations.
To avoid heavy fines, the business owner tried to pay the inspector off.
06
to give someone a final payment when their job ends
Transitive: to pay off an employee
Example
The economic crisis meant they had to pay off many experienced employees.
The factory paid all the redundant workers off with a good package.
