pay out

verb6

1. •
   To distribute money; to disburse.
2. •
   To slacken a rope by lengthening it; to allow a rope to run out.
3. •
   To slacken by lengthening.

   • If a fisherman gets his foot ensnared in a rope that is rapidly paying out, he will be dragged over and drowned almost before anyone realizes he is overboard. — 1997
4. •
   (Australia, informal) To make fun of or insult, often in a teasing manner.

   • Last weekend, Robin accidentally tried to interview someone after having one too many wines and of course, we paid her out for it. — 2021
5. •
   To repay, take revenge.

   • The pigeon, very offended, flew back to the Bird Woman and, to pay out Mary Poppins, stuck the rose in the ribbon of the Bird Woman's hat. — 1934
6. •
   To give someone their just desserts.