PhrasesHub

paid off

    Definitions

      • receive a benefit or reward for one's efforts
        Refers to the successful outcome or positive result of hard work or investment

      • bribe or compensate someone
        Refers to the act of giving money or other forms of compensation in order to receive a favor or special treatment

    Examples of paid off

    • After months of saving up, the high-interest rate on my emergency fund finally paid off when my car suddenly broke down.

      This idiom is used to mean that the result of an action or investment was beneficial and profitable. In this example, the speaker's decision to save money with a high-interest rate ended up positively impacting them when they had to pay for a car repair.

    • All of the long hours and hard work I put into my startup finally paid off when I secured a major investment from a prominent venture capitalist.

      This idiom is used to indicate that the effort and dedication invested in a project or situation resulted in a successful outcome. In this example, the speaker's perseverance in building their startup led to a significant financial reward.

    • The police finally cracked the case that had stumped them for weeks, and the suspect's confession paid off in a dramatic arrest.

      This idiom is used to signify that the resolution or progress made in a situation results in a reward or outcome that was previously uncertain. In this case, the police's intensified investigation led to a breakthrough and the eventual capture of the criminal.

    • Although my essay was not perfect, I still feel like all of the extra research and revision I put into it paid off when I received an A from my professor.

      This idiom is used to convey that the effort and dedication invested in a task or activity led to a favorable outcome, despite potential limitations or imperfections. In this example, the writer's added effort in revising their essay contributed to a successful grade from their teacher.

    • The long hours of studying and hard work finally paid off when Sarah aced her final exams.

      This example shows how the idiom "paid off" is used to describe a situation where an investment of time, effort, or resources has led to a desired outcome. In this case, Sarah's investment of time and effort in studying paid off when she received good grades on her final exams.

    • The company's decision to invest in a new marketing strategy finally paid off when they saw a significant increase in sales.

      This example shows how the idiom "paid off" can be used to describe a benefit or reward received as a result of an investment in resources or a decision. In this case, the company's investment in a new marketing strategy led to an increase in sales, meaning the decision "paid off" for the company.

    • After years of saving, Jane's financial plan finally paid off when she was able to pay off all her debts and retire comfortably.

      This example shows how the idiom "paid off" can be used to describe a situation where an investment in financial resources, such as saving and debt repayment, has led to a desired outcome, such as financial independence.

    • The athlete's years of hard work and dedication finally paid off when they won the gold medal in the Olympics.

      This example shows how the idiom "paid off" can be used to describe a situation where an investment of time, effort, and resources, such as years of hard work and dedication, has led to a desired outcome, such as winning a prestigious award.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "paid off" can be used in various contexts to indicate either the successful outcome of one's efforts or the act of offering compensation for a favor. In the first meaning, it is used to express the positive result of hard work or investment, while in the second meaning, it is used to describe the act of bribery or compensation.

    In everyday language, "paid off" can be used to convey the idea of reaping the benefits of one's hard work or investment, such as when a business venture becomes successful or when one's efforts lead to a positive outcome. On the other hand, it can also be used to describe a situation where someone offers compensation or a bribe in order to achieve a specific outcome or favor.

    Origin of "paid off"

    The origin of the idiom "paid off" can be traced back to the concept of compensation and reward. The use of the word "paid" in this context dates back to Old English, where it originally meant to satisfy a debt or obligation. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of receiving compensation for one's work or efforts.

    The use of "paid off" to describe a successful outcome or result can be linked to the concept of receiving a reward for one's hard work or investment. On the other hand, the use of the idiom to describe bribery or compensation may have originated from the practice of offering money or gifts in exchange for favors, which has been a common phenomenon throughout history. Overall, the idiom "paid off" has its roots in the concepts of compensation and rewards, as well as the practice of offering incentives for desired outcomes.