pay dividends
idiom
: to directly benefit someone for something he or she has done
Our efforts are finally paying dividends.
Examples of pay dividends in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There was another strategic addition on Friday, though, that could pay dividends in late-game situations for Toronto.
—
Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
The Verona Macrame Ballet Flat from Larroudé is here to pay dividends with its Mary Jane profile; soft, flexible leather; distinct air of romanticism, aesthetically speaking; and careful attention to detail.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
At places like Oklahoma State and Arkansas, which are not among the top spenders in the sport, Traylor’s propensity to beat the bushes as a fundraiser would pay dividends.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Lawmakers must weigh the check’s size against other programs and public needs, including education, and in 2018 began using earnings from the fund — long used to pay dividends — to also help balance the budget.
—Becky Bohrer, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pay dividends
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
The Verona Macrame Ballet Flat from Larroudé is here to pay dividends with its Mary Jane profile; soft, flexible leather; distinct air of romanticism, aesthetically speaking; and careful attention to detail.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
At places like Oklahoma State and Arkansas, which are not among the top spenders in the sport, Traylor’s propensity to beat the bushes as a fundraiser would pay dividends.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Lawmakers must weigh the check’s size against other programs and public needs, including education, and in 2018 began using earnings from the fund — long used to pay dividends — to also help balance the budget.
—Becky Bohrer, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pay dividends
Cite this Entry
“Pay dividends.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pay%20dividends. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share