debt to society
phrase
—used in phrases such as pay your debt to society to refer to being punished for committing a crime
After 10 years in prison, he has paid his debt to society and is a free man.
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“Debt to society.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debt%20to%20society. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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