time for payback

USAGE SUMMARY

"time for payback" is a grammatically correct sentence and is used commonly in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts in which someone feels a sense of justice or retribution needs to be served. For example, "I've put in years of hard work. It's time for payback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It's time for payback.

The New York Times

Now, they say, it's time for payback.

The New York Times

Time for Payback Mr. Michel, it turned out, was right.

The New York Times

"Now that the geopolitical situation is shifting, the former victims think its time for payback".

The New York Times

"I have given one too many wedding gifts to people in my life, and for a minute I thought it was time for payback.

The New York Times

The Sacramento Kings' forward had baffled Sprewell all day with jab steps and a silky jump shot, so with 13 seconds remaining and the score tied, it was time for payback.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Now it's time for some payback.

The New York Times

So it's time for some payback.

The New York Times

Now it was time for a payback, he said.

The New York Times

Last year, with the economy humming, the pilots figured it was time for a payback, and they did not look at their faltering shares of stock as restitution.

Forbes

Now that your partner (thanks to the boat loads of support from you) has earned this prestigious degree and celebrated like it's 1999, it's time for some payback!

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time for payback", ensure the context clearly establishes the prior offense or injustice that warrants the payback. This helps avoid ambiguity and reinforces the sense of justified retribution.

Common error

Avoid using "time for payback" to describe trivial situations. Overusing it diminishes its impact and can make you appear overly aggressive or petty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time for payback" functions as an expression of anticipated retribution or deserved consequences. It signifies a moment when actions, often negative, are expected to be balanced by appropriate repercussions. This aligns with Ludwig's examples demonstrating scenarios where a wrong is about to be righted.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time for payback" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the anticipation of deserved retribution or consequences. While Ludwig confirms its usage across varied contexts, including news and media, Ludwig AI suggests it tends toward a neutral or informal register, making it suitable for direct communication but potentially less appropriate for strictly formal settings. When using this phrase, consider the scale of the situation to ensure it aligns with the intensity of the expression. Alternatives like "moment of reckoning" or "just desserts" might suit more formal or nuanced scenarios. Remember to avoid overuse, which can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moment of reckoning

This alternative suggests a critical point where consequences are unavoidable, carrying a slightly more formal tone than the original phrase.

day of reckoning

Similar to 'moment of reckoning', this alternative emphasizes the gravity and inevitability of the consequences.

what goes around comes around

This phrase expresses the cyclical nature of actions and their consequences, highlighting karma or natural justice.

just desserts

This alternative implies that someone is getting what they deserve, often in a negative context.

turnabout is fair play

This phrase is generally used to justify reciprocal actions, especially if someone was treated unfairly first.

reaping what you sow

This phrase focuses on the consequences of one's actions, typically referring to negative outcomes from bad behavior.

retribution is at hand

Highlights the imminent delivery of punishment or vengeance, sounding more formal and impactful.

comeuppance is due

Indicates that someone is about to receive their deserved punishment or misfortune, often implying a sense of schadenfreude.

chickens coming home to roost

This idiom means that past actions are now catching up with someone, often with negative consequences.

karma's a bitch

This informal and emphatic expression highlights the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "time for payback" in a sentence?

You can use "time for payback" to express that someone deserves retribution for their actions. For example, "After years of mistreatment, it's "time for payback"."

What's a more formal way to say "time for payback"?

More formal alternatives include "moment of reckoning" or "just desserts", depending on the specific context.

Is "time for payback" appropriate in professional writing?

While grammatically correct, "time for payback" can sound informal or aggressive. Consider more neutral alternatives like "repayment is due" or "consequences are imminent" in professional settings.

What is the difference between "time for payback" and "time for retribution"?

"Time for payback" generally implies a sense of evening the score, while "time for retribution" suggests a stronger, more formal punishment is due.