1 B1 informal
To pay money that is owed, especially a shared bill between friends or colleagues.
"We can order dessert and settle up at the end — I'll put it on my card."
inseparable
settle up
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To pay what you owe, especially to divide a shared bill or clear a debt with someone.
In plain English
To pay back the money you owe someone so you are equal.
What does "settle up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To clear all outstanding debts or financial obligations with a person or organisation.
"He settled up with the landlord before moving out of the flat."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To set things straight or upright — the 'up' suggests completion, bringing things to a balanced state.
Actually means
To pay back the money you owe someone so you are equal.
Usage tip
Common in everyday spoken English when splitting a restaurant bill, paying back a friend, or clearing a tab. Often used at the end of a meal or social outing.
Words that pair with "settle up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
bill tab debt later afterwards account
How to conjugate "settle up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
settle up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
settles up
he/she/it
Past simple
settled up
yesterday
Past participle
settled up
have + pp
-ing form
settling up
continuous
Hear "settle up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "settle up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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