1
general::
1. Repay a debt or a loan, as in I'll pay you back next month. 2. Also, pay back in someone's own coin. Revenge oneself, repay in kind, as in He thought he could get away with copying my plans, but I'll pay him back in his own coin. This expression refers to repaying a debt in exactly the same currency in which the money had been lent. [c. 1600]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): pay something back (to someone)
to repay someone. • I paid the money back to Jerry. • Can I pay back the money to George now? • Please pay the money back now., Phrase(s): pay someone back
1. Lit. to return money that was borrowed from a person. • You owe me money. When are you going to pay me back? • You must pay John back. You have owed him money for a long time. • You have to pay back everyone you owe money to. 2. Fig. to get even with someone [for doing something]. • I will pay her back for what she said about me. • Fred eventually will pay Mike back. He bears grudges for a long time. • He intends to pay back everyone who has wronged him!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs