pay off

Preview（腕試し）

Saiko: How did you do on the Eiken test, Toshiko?

Toshiko: My long hours of study paid off. I'm happy to say that I ____________ .

A. passed the test

B. failed the test

C. paid for the test with a credit card

D. think the test was expensive

Quick Glossary （用語辞典）

fluency = 流暢さ

diligent = 勤勉な

efficient = 効力のある

debt = 負債

a bribe = わいろ

Explanation（説明）

This idiom has many meanings-- a few of the most common ones are shown here.

･ One meaning is to have success as a result of one's efforts.

Kumiko's long hours of studying have paid off: she has learned a lot of vocabulary and really improved her speaking fluency.

Hard work always pays off. If you work diligently and efficiently, you are sure to be successful.

･ Another meaning is to fully repay a debt.

Joey got a 4-year car loan, but he worked hard and was able to pay it off in just 3 years.　

･ Pay off can also mean bribe.

The witness to the bank robbery was paid off by the defendant, so he changed his story and said the defendant wasn't the robber.

Exercises （練習）

1. Hirofumi loves playing the trombone. He practices very hard, and his years of practice have paid off: he has ____________ .

A. become a good player

B. not become a good player

C. spent a lot of money on trombone lessons

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2. George has been making payments on his car for three years, but next year he ____________ his car loan.

A. paid off

B. pay off

C. will pay off