pay down

pay down  {v. phr.}
1. To give as a deposit on some purchase, the rest of which is to be paid in periodic installments.
"How much can you pay down on the house, sir?" the realtor asked.
2. To decrease a debt with periodical payments.
I'd like to pay down the charges on my credit cards.
Compare: DOWN PAYMENT.
Categories: {v. phr.}