paid up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘paid up’ mean?
The idiom "paid up" means that a person has fully paid for something, often referring to a membership or subscription fee. It indicates that all dues or financial obligations have been settled.
Idiom Explorer
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The idiomatic phrase "top dollar" is commonly used in American English to describe a high price or payment for something. This phrase originated in the United States and has been in use since at least the mid-20th century.'
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An idiom is a phrase that does not have a literal meaning. The idiom "save" means to keep money or resources for future use, or to rescue someone or something from danger or harm.
The idiom "run up" means to accumulate or increase something, typically a debt or a bill. It suggests the idea of quickly and continuously adding to a particular amount or total. For example, if someone "runs up" a credit card bill, they are continuously adding charges and increasing the amount owed.
The idiom "run out" means to exhaust the supply of something or to reach the end of a limited resource. It implies that there is no more of that specific thing available.
Run out is an idiom that means to exhaust or deplete the supply of something. It is commonly used to describe a situation where there is no more of a particular item or resource left.
The idiom "rolling in it" means to have an abundance of wealth or money.
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The idiom "right away" means immediately or without delay.
Right away is an English idiom that is commonly used to indicate immediate action or promptness. The phrase is believed to have originated in the late 19th century and is still widely used today.
Deciphering 'Paid Up'
Paid up is a widely used idiom in American English that originated in the 19th century. It is a phrasal adjective formed by combining the verb "paid" with the preposition "up." Its idiomatic meaning is "having paid the full amount owed."
This idiom is commonly used in the context of financial obligations, specifically when referring to the settlement of debts or the fulfillment of financial agreements. It conveys the idea that all payments have been made in full and there are no outstanding or overdue amounts. Whether used in formal or informal situations, paid up has become a firmly ingrained phrase in everyday American language.
One possible explanation for the origin of this idiom is its connection to paying membership dues or fees. In many clubs, organizations, and institutions, individuals must pay an initial fee or an annual subscription to gain or maintain membership. The term "paid up" could have come about from the understanding that once these financial obligations were met, individuals were considered fully paid up members, entitled to all the privileges and benefits associated with their membership.
The versatility of the idiom paid up is another interesting aspect. Although it is commonly used in financial contexts, it can also be applied more broadly to convey the concept of meeting one's obligations or fulfilling a commitment. For instance, someone who has completed all the required coursework for a degree could be described as a "fully paid up student," indicating that they have met all their academic requirements.
Furthermore, "paid up" is related to the idioms "put paid to" and "cashed up."
The idiom "put paid to" means to put an end to something or to finish it off. It implies a finality, similar to the notion of completeness conveyed by "paid up." For example, if someone says they "put paid to" a project, it means they brought it to a successful conclusion.
"Cashed up" is another idiom related to "paid up." It means to have a lot of cash or a large amount of money available, often indicating financial prosperity. While "paid up" refers to fulfilling financial obligations, "cashed up" describes having a surplus of funds.
"paid up" is an idiom deeply rooted in American English that denotes having paid the full amount owed or fulfilling one's obligations. Its origin can be traced back to the 19th century, possibly originating from the practice of paying membership fees. The versatility of this idiom allows for its application in various contexts, emphasizing the attainment of completeness and closure. Its continued use reflects its resonance in American society, where meeting financial obligations and fulfilling commitments are highly valued.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *paid up* can be used in a sentence:
- He paid up all his debts before starting a new business venture.
- The company threatened to sue if the client didn't pay up for the services rendered.
- She realized she hadn't paid up her membership fee for the club and quickly settled the balance.
More "Finance" idioms
