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pay as you go

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pay as you go

to pay costs as they occur; to pay for goods as they are bought (rather than charging them). You ought to pay as you go. Then you won't be in debt. If you pay as you go, you'll never spend too much money.

See also: pay

pay as you go

Pay for purchases immediately instead of deferring payment. For example, Ruth and Bob had no credit cards; they believed in paying as you go. [First half of 1800s]

See also: pay