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pay for

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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.

See also: pay

pay for

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]

See also: pay

pay for

v.

1. To give some amount of money in return for something: I paid $12 for those gloves. Did you pay for our meal yet?

2. To bear a cost or penalty as a result of some action: You will pay for your laziness when you take your exams and do badly.

See also: pay