Phrasal verb
pay off
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
pay off
Past
paid off
Past participle
paid off
Definition
phrasal verb. to result in success after you have worked hard or taken a risk. You use this when your effort finally brings a good result.
phrasal verb. To yield a successful result or benefit, typically following a period of risk or exertion. In this sense, the verb is intransitive; however, it functions transitively when referring to the full discharge of a financial obligation.
Examples
“All those hours of study finally paid off when he passed the exam.”
“Although the training was difficult, it really paid off when she was promoted to manager last month.”
“The company's aggressive expansion into emerging markets has begun to pay off, as evidenced by the recent surge in quarterly dividends.”
Examples
simple
“All those hours of study finally paid off when he passed the exam.”
contextual
“Although the training was difficult, it really paid off when she was promoted to manager last month.”
complex
“The company's aggressive expansion into emerging markets has begun to pay off, as evidenced by the recent surge in quarterly dividends.”
Usage
When used to mean 'be successful,' this phrase is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Teaching tip
Contrast the intransitive 'success' sense with the transitive 'debt' sense to help students avoid using a direct object when describing a successful outcome.
Pitfall
His hard work finally paid off him.
His hard work finally paid off.
In the sense of achieving success, 'pay off' is intransitive and cannot take a person as a direct object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
pay + off
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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