Fixed expressions

Idioms

English fixed expressions — phrases whose meaning isn't obvious from the individual words. Each entry shows the meaning, an example sentence, and its register.

Idioms containing pay, including its inflections. Clear word filter

Idioms Informal Neutral Formal

5 idioms

pay through the nose

CEFR B2

To pay a far higher price for something than it is really worth.

Informal

pay the piper

CEFR C1

to deal with the price or consequences created by your earlier choices

Neutral

pay your dues

CEFR C1

to endure hard, unglamorous work early on as the price of later success

Neutral

put paid to

CEFR C1

to bring something, especially a plan or hope, to a definite end

Neutral

rob Peter to pay Paul

CEFR C1

to pay one debt by creating another

Informal

Idioms

pay through the nose

pay the piper

pay your dues

put paid to

rob Peter to pay Paul

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