idioms using “pay”

Pay up

To pay the full amount due

“We received a warning that we have to pay up by the end of the month or they will cut our internet service..”

(Something) doesn’t pay

It’s not worth doing

“It doesn’t pay to book your ticket early; the airlines will continue to drop prices all winter.”

Pay an arm and a leg

To pay a lot of money

“He paid an arm and a leg for his house but didn’t think to insure it for fire damage.”

Hit pay dirt

To discover something of value, to finally succeed

“The opera singer’s first albums didn’t sell well but she hit pay dirt when she recorded a pop album.” Note: This phrase refers to finding gold ore after digging in the dirt for a long time.

Pay lip service

To say the expected words, but without sincerity

“Both political candidates paid lip service to reducing pollution but neither had prepared an actual plan for it.”