payback

Definition

  • noun: punishment for something that was done in the past
  • noun: a return on an investment equal to the original capital outlay
  • usually singular
  • synonyms: just deserts, poetic justice

Examples

  • While these cars are expensive, there's a significant 'payback' in terms of safety. [=the safety of the cars make them worth their high cost]

  • You've ruined my life, and now it's 'payback time'. [=now I'm going to hurt you because you hurt me]

  • They beat our team last year, so we've got to beat them this year as 'payback'.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) AIice and the rabbit'II be disappointed. Now you're being cynicaI. Who are you? I'm just an ex-empIoyee... who's come for his back pay. Or shouId I say payback? KiII him. Come on. Ladies and gentIemen... I wiII be the host... for the rest of the evening. (..)
    1994 The Mask
  • (..) Did it Iook Iike I had much of a choice? Maybe you did... maybe you didn't. Who knows, right? I'II teII you one thing. It's going to be payback for anybody who crosses me. We have a crisis here and you stroII in an hour Iate? If I must put up with-- Back off, monkey boy... (..)
    1994 The Mask