make ends meet, pay back, cut back, buy out, add up to: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Business set 8. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. make ends meet · phrase

   to have just enough money to be able to pay for your needs

   Many employees at the lowest end of the payscale need to work the extra hours to make ends meet.

   Synonyms: NONE

2. pay back · phrase

   to give back the money you borrowed

   The company failed to pay back the loan and fell almost $17 million in debt.

   Synonyms: NONE

3. cut back · phrase

   to try to spend less money

   It would be wise to cut back on your expenses so that you can save, invest and build real wealth.

   Synonyms: decrease, cut down, decrease

4. buy out · phrase

   take over ownership of companies and corporations

   The company may be able to buy out some of their smaller competitors at more favorable terms.

   Synonyms: purchase, acquire

5. add up to · phrase

   be equal to

   Your purchases add up to $205.32.

   Synonyms: amount to, equate, total, be equivalent to