Definition

Verb: - To settle a debt or financial obligation in full, especially after some delay or reluctance. It implies completing a required payment.

Usage

This verb is typically used in informal contexts, often as a command or request to someone who owes money. It emphasizes the action of finally handing over the money that is due. It is often used with an object (the person who must pay).

Examples

• The landlord told the tenants to pay up or face eviction.
• After losing the bet, he had no choice but to pay up.
• The company finally paid up the outstanding invoices.

Advanced Usage

• "to pay up in full": To pay the entire amount owed without any partial payment.
  • The loan agreement required him to pay up in full by the end of the month.

Variants and Related Words

• Pay (verb): To give money for goods or services. "Pay up" is a more specific and forceful variant.
• Settle (verb): To pay a debt or bill.
• Clear a debt (verb phrase): To pay off what is owed completely.

Synonyms

• Settle up
• Cough up (informal)
• Fork over (informal)
• Discharge a debt

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Pay off: To pay the full amount of a debt.
  • She worked extra hours to pay off her car loan. (Note: "Pay off" can also mean to bribe someone or to yield a good result.)

Related Idioms

• Pay through the nose: To pay an excessively high price for something.
  • He had to pay through the nose to get his car fixed immediately.
• Pay your dues: To earn rights or a position through hard work or experience over time.
  • She paid her dues in the industry before becoming a manager.

Verb

1. cancel or discharge a debt
   • pay up, please!