english
1
general::
Phrase(s): pay for something 1. Lit. to pay out money for something. • Did you pay for the magazine, or shall I? • No, I’ll pay for it. 2. Fig. to suffer punishment for something. • The criminal will pay for his crimes. • I don’t like what you did to me, and I’m going to see that you pay for it. • Max paid for his wicked ways.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Cover the expenses of, defray the cost of, as in I'll pay for your movie ticket, or This truck will pay for itself within a year. [Mid-1300s] 2. Atone for, suffer for, as in He may have looked like a good manager, but his successor will end up paying for his mistakes. [Late 1600s]
American Heritage Idioms