pay back

• Geliehenes Geld zurückzahlen oder sich für eine erlittene Kränkung bzw. eine erhaltene Gefälligkeit revanchieren.

To return money that was borrowed, or to retaliate against someone for a wrong or favor.

1. Return borrowed moneyA2formal

   To give back money that was borrowed from someone.

   Schulden zurückzahlen

   • I need to pay back the loan by next month.
   • She promised to pay him back the $50 she borrowed.
   • He finally paid back all his debts.

2. Retaliate or get revengeB2informal

   To do something unpleasant to someone because they did something unpleasant to you.

   Sich rächen

   • He paid her back for her rudeness by ignoring her.
   • She plans to pay him back for the prank he played on her.
   • They paid back their rivals by winning the championship.