1 B1 idiomatic neutral
to pay money that you owe, especially after being reminded or pressured
"If you borrowed the money, you need to pay up by Friday."
“
Pay up, sucker.
— Common movie dialogue; exact source uncertain
inseparable
pay up
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
to pay the money that you owe, especially when someone demands it
In plain English
to give the money you should give
What does "pay up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to pay upward or fully over
Actually means
to give the money you should give
Usage tip
Often slightly forceful or impatient in tone. Common in speech, warnings, and arguments.
Words that pair with "pay up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
debt bill rent fine tab wages
How to conjugate "pay up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pay up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pays up
he/she/it
Past simple
paid up
yesterday
Past participle
paid up
have + pp
-ing form
paying up
continuous
Hear "pay up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pay up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "pay up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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