settle a debt

USAGE SUMMARY

"settle a debt" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to pay off or resolve a financial obligation. Example: I finally managed to settle my debt with the bank after months of saving and budgeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Mr Roh said his "household" had received the money to help settle a debt.

The Economist

Burai then sold her to Zsolt Blaga, 38, in Peterborough, to settle a debt.

The Guardian

He admitted that his wife had accepted US$1m but insisted it was to settle a debt, not a bribe.

The Guardian

Angelaica, they later learned, had been working as a prostitute in Chisinau and had agreed to settle a "debt" to her pimp by recruiting two new girls.

The New Yorker

Banks were required to keep gold in reserve, since anyone with an account could request his savings in gold coins to, say, settle a debt in a foreign country.

The New Yorker

Karl Rove, the Republican strategist who served as President George W. Bush's top political adviser, said Chrysler was trying to settle a debt to the Obama administration for rescuing Detroit carmakers with billions of dollars in loans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

In that vein, I would like your assistance in settling a debt owed by North Korea to Nikko Enterprises".

The New York Times

In the worst cases, collectors pursue people who don't even owe money, or insist people who already settled a debt still owe.

The Guardian

One big piece of unfinished business would be settling a debt of as much as $9 billion it still owes to the Paris Club of creditor nations — a group of 19 countries with some of the biggest economies.

The New York Times

Belarus announced on Wednesday that it had settled a debt of nearly $200 million owed for gas deliveries from Russia, but Russian officials said they had not yet received payment.

The New York Times

The resort dates back to 1937, when Arthur Winarick, a Russian émigré who founded the Jeris hair tonic company, settled a debt by taking over a small hotel that would become known as the Concord.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle a debt", clearly specify the method of settlement, whether it's through full payment, negotiation, or other means, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "settle a debt" when only partial payments are made without a formal agreement with the creditor. "Settle" implies a final resolution, not just a payment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle a debt" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of resolving a financial obligation. As per Ludwig, the phrase is correct and commonly used. Examples show its application in diverse contexts, from personal finance to international relations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settle a debt" is a common and grammatically sound expression signifying the resolution of a financial obligation. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread usage. Analysis of various sources reveals its frequent occurrence in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While repayment is a common method, the term encompasses other forms of resolution like negotiation. Understanding the nuances of "settle a debt" ensures clarity and precision in discussing financial matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pay off a debt

Focuses specifically on the act of paying the full amount owed.

Clear a debt

Emphasizes the complete removal of the debt.

Discharge a debt

Implies a more formal or legal release from the obligation.

Resolve a debt

Highlights the act of finding a solution to the debt issue, not necessarily full payment.

Satisfy a debt

Implies fulfilling the requirements of the debt, whether through payment or other means.

Liquidate a debt

Suggests converting assets into cash to pay off the debt.

Extinguish a debt

A more formal term for completely eliminating the debt.

Honor a debt

Focuses on fulfilling the moral obligation to pay the debt.

Service a debt

Refers to making regular payments on the debt.

Compromise a debt

Suggests reaching an agreement with the creditor for a reduced payment.

FAQs

What does "settle a debt" mean?

The phrase "settle a debt" means to resolve a financial obligation, typically through payment, negotiation, or another agreed-upon method that concludes the debt.

How can I "settle a debt" for less than the full amount owed?

You can attempt to negotiate with the creditor to reach a "compromise a debt", where they agree to accept a reduced payment to consider the debt settled. This often involves demonstrating financial hardship.

What are some alternatives to saying "settle a debt"?

Alternatives include "pay off a debt", "discharge a debt", or "resolve a debt", depending on the specific context and how the debt is being handled.

Is "settle a debt" the same as "repay a debt"?

While both involve addressing a financial obligation, "repay a debt" typically implies making regular payments until the full amount is covered, whereas "settle a debt" can encompass various methods of resolution, including negotiation or lump-sum payments.