Definition

1. Verb (transitive or intransitive):
   • To pay money, especially a sum that is owed or demanded, often with some reluctance or after a delay.

Usage

• The verb "pony up" is informal and is used when someone is required to provide money, typically in a situation where they might be hesitant to do so. It can be used with or without a direct object for the money.
• Structure: or .

Examples

• Verb:
  • The city finally ponied up for the new park renovations.
  • If you want to join the investment club, you'll have to pony up a $500 fee.
  • He promised to pony up his share of the bill by the end of the week.

Advanced Usage

• "to pony up for something": to pay for a specific thing.
  • The company was forced to pony up for the environmental cleanup.
• "to pony up the cash/dough": to pay the money (using informal synonyms for money).
  • They won the lawsuit, so now the defendant has to pony up the cash.

Variants and Related Words

• Antonym: "stiff" (verb, informal): To fail to pay someone.
  • He stiffed the waiter on the tip.
• Related Concept: "cough up" (verb, informal): A very close synonym meaning to give something, especially money, reluctantly.
  • He had to cough up a fine for speeding.

Synonyms

• Pay up: To pay money that is owed, especially when demanded.
• Fork over/out (informal): To hand over money, often unwillingly.
• Ante up (informal): To pay one's share, originating from poker.

Phrasal Verbs

• "Pony up" is itself a phrasal verb. It does not have further phrasal verb forms.

Related Idioms

• "Put your money where your mouth is": To back up your talk with action or financial commitment. This is conceptually related to "pony up" as both involve providing money to support a claim or desire.
  • You say it's a great cause? Then put your money where your mouth is and donate.

Verb

1. give reluctantly
   • He coughed up some money for his children's tuition