settle up
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To pay back the money you owe someone so you are equal.
Literal meaning: To set things straight or upright — the 'up' suggests completion, bringing things to a balanced state.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
bill tab debt later afterwards account
Forms
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
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