handsome payoff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "handsome payoff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or attractive return on investment, reward, or benefit from an action or decision. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, the project finally yielded a handsome payoff, exceeding all our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He is now majority leader, a handsome payoff for grinding Washington to a halt.

The Guardian

Todd Stitzer, the boss of Bournville, will get his handsome payoff.

The Guardian - Opinion

Investing in these lawyers will have a handsome payoff — more reliable outcomes and fewer people in expensive prisons.

The New York Times

And the new stock offerings provided a handsome payoff to those brave enough to wade into these choppy waters.

The New York Times

And simple economics should speed the process along, they predict, because there could be a handsome payoff for any solutions.

The New York Times

The handsome payoff includes Portland's perpetual reputation as among America's nicest places to live, and some $4 billion-worth of development near the stations.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Some ministers were sent packing with handsome payoffs — four or five cars, a generous slab of land and a grand mansion.

The New York Times

But prosecutors say these handsome payoffs were only possible because of an elaborate shell game in which Shkreli used Retrophin cash and assets to pay off discontented investors in his hedge fund, MSMB Capital.

The Washington Post

Mr Esser is accused of warming to the sale of his firm to Vodafone to secure handsome payoffs for his board and himself; Mr Sommer of undervaluing his company to ensure the success of a recent share offering.Mixed economyJapan avoided slipping into recession.

The Economist

The technology it delivered made the iPhone and iPad a reality, and made Samsung Apple's biggest supplier and now its biggest hardware competitor.The handsome payoffs from these ballsy bets made the South Korean company a colossus; last year its sales passed $135 billion.

The Economist

Big Payoff.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "handsome payoff" when you want to emphasize that the reward or benefit is both significant and desirable. It suggests that the outcome is not only positive but also pleasing or attractive.

Common error

Avoid using "handsome payoff" when the situation involves something unethical or illegal. While "payoff" can sometimes imply a bribe, using "handsome" further suggests an attractive but potentially illicit gain. In such cases, opt for more neutral terms like "benefit" or "return" to avoid unintended implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "handsome payoff" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it referring to tangible and intangible benefits resulting from various actions or investments. It highlights the positive and desirable outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "handsome payoff" signifies a notable and appealing reward or benefit derived from an action or investment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, especially within news, media, and formal business settings. While "handsome payoff" is effective in conveying a positive outcome, alternatives like "substantial reward" or "generous return" may be preferred in certain situations or for more formal communication. Understanding its connotation and usage patterns ensures its appropriate and impactful application in written and spoken English. Always consider the ethical implications when describing a "payoff" to avoid unintended negative associations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial reward

Replaces "payoff" with "reward", emphasizing the positive return received.

generous return

Substitutes "handsome" with "generous" and "payoff" with "return", focusing on the abundance of the benefit.

significant benefit

Replaces both words with broader terms, highlighting the importance of the resulting advantage.

considerable gain

Uses "gain" instead of "payoff", suggesting an increase or profit obtained.

profitable outcome

Focuses on the financial aspect of the "payoff", highlighting its lucrativeness.

excellent result

Emphasizes the quality of the result or consequence.

favorable consequence

Highlights the positive nature of the result, moving away from the financial connotation.

rich dividend

Uses "dividend" to imply a return on investment, often in a financial sense.

valuable yield

Implies a return or product resulting from effort or investment, emphasizing its worth.

noteworthy advantage

Replaces "handsome payoff" with terms focusing on the significant edge or benefit gained.

FAQs

How can I use "handsome payoff" in a sentence?

You can use "handsome payoff" to describe a significant reward or benefit gained from an investment, effort, or decision. For instance, "Their hard work resulted in a "handsome payoff", exceeding all expectations."

What are some alternatives to saying "handsome payoff"?

Alternatives include "substantial reward", "generous return", or "significant benefit", depending on the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "handsome payoff" appropriate for formal writing?

While "handsome payoff" is generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, you might prefer alternatives like "substantial return" or "significant advantage" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "handsome payoff" and "good payoff"?

"Handsome payoff" suggests a particularly attractive or considerable reward, implying a higher value or desirability than a simply "good payoff". The former carries a stronger connotation of success and satisfaction.