pay back

• Rembourser de l'argent emprunté ou rendre la pareille à quelqu'un pour une offense ou un service.

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.

   rembourser

   • 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.

   Rendre la pareille (dans un sens négatif)

   • 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.