To pay a required amount of money, often reluctantly or after being pressured.
To give or pay money, especially when you don't really want to.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To pay an amount of money, especially when it is demanded or expected of you.
"If you want the extended warranty, you'll have to pony up an extra hundred dollars."
Republicans and Democrats have both been reluctant to pony up the cash needed for infrastructure.
To contribute one's share of money to a group expense, often after hesitation.
"Come on, everyone else has ponied up for the gift — it's your turn."
Possibly from 19th-century slang referring to paying a debt; the 'pony' may derive from British slang for £25 or from Latin 'legem pone' (a psalm associated with pay day).
To give or pay money, especially when you don't really want to.
Primarily American English slang. Can be used without an object ('Just pony up!') or with an amount ('pony up $50'). Implies some degree of reluctance or social obligation. Rarely used in formal contexts.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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