τα πληρώνω όλα
Lemma: τα πληρώνω όλα
Translation: to pay for everything; to suffer the consequences; to take the blame (idiom)
Etymology: This idiom combines 'τα' (them, referring to things), 'πληρώνω' (I pay) from Ancient Greek 'πληρόω' (to fill, complete, satisfy), and 'όλα' (all). The expression evolved from literal payment to metaphorical suffering of consequences.
Example Usage
Έκανε λάθος ο συνάδελφος αλλά εγώ τα πλήρωσα όλα.
My colleague made a mistake but I took all the blame.
Αν συνεχίσεις έτσι, στο τέλος θα τα πληρώσεις όλα.
If you continue like this, in the end you'll suffer all the consequences.
Πάντα τα πληρώνω όλα για τα λάθη των άλλων.
I always pay for everyone else's mistakes.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'plēróno' as 'filling' your responsibility by paying everything
- Visualize someone emptying their wallet completely - paying for ALL mistakes
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This idiom is commonly used in situations where someone faces negative consequences for actions, often including those of others. It reflects the Greek cultural concept of justice and paying one's dues, whether deserved or not.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'τα πληρώνω όλα' is idiomatic for suffering consequences, 'πληρώνω τα πάντα' is more literal about paying for everything financially.
Confused word:
Στο εστιατόριο πλήρωσα τα πάντα για την παρέα.
At the restaurant, I paid for everything for the group.
Notes: The idiomatic version carries emotional weight about suffering or taking blame, while the literal version is about financial transactions.
Mnemonic: 'Όλα' in the idiom refers to consequences, while 'τα πάντα' refers more to actual items or bills.