1
general::
Phrase(s): pay something out
to unravel or unwind wire or rope as it is needed. (See also play something out.) • One worker paid the cable out, and another worker guided it into the conduit. • The worker paid out the cable., Phrase(s): pay something out (to someone)
to pay money to someone. • The utility paid one hundred dollars out to everyone who had been overcharged. • They paid out money to every customer., Phrase(s): pay something out (for someone or something)
to disburse or spend money for someone or something. • We have already paid too much money out for your education. • We paid out too much money.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Distribute money, disburse, as in He paid out the full amount. [Mid-1800s] 2. Let out a rope by slackening, as in She paid out the rope until it was long enough to tie the canoe onto the car. This nautical expression dates from the late 1700s.
American Heritage Idioms