owe

6 definitions • 17 examples

to need to pay or give something to someone because they have lent money to you, or in exchange for something they have done for you:

[ + two objects ] I owe Janet $50.

We still owe $1,000 on our car (= we still need to pay $1,000 before we own our car).

I owe you a drink for helping me move.

I think you owe (= should give) me an explanation/apology.

to have success, happiness, a job, etc. only because of what someone has given you or done for you or because of your own efforts:

I owe my success to my education.

He owes his life to the staff at the hospital.

I owe everything (= I am very grateful) to my parents.

to have the responsibility to pay or give back something you have received from someone:

[ T ] Don’t forget – you owe me ten dollars.

to be grateful to someone or something because of what the person or thing provided or made possible:

I owe a lot to my parents, who have always supported and encouraged me.

to need to pay or give something to someone because they have lent money to you:

owe sb $5/$500, etc. I owe you £200.

How much do we owe the bank?

He claims the firm owes him money.

owe $5/$500, etc. to sb The company owes $618 million to its creditors.

owe $100/$1000, etc. on sth We still owe $1000 on our car.

owe $100/$1000, etc. in sth The government alleges that he owes $54 million in unpaid taxes.

to have had someone help you or do something good for you, so that you should do something similar for them:

He owes you a favor for helping him with the project.

owe sb (one) Thanks - I owe you one!