fork out — pay (money) reluctantly
phrasal verbC1IELTS 7+informaloccasional
to pay money for something, especially when you do not want to or feel it is too expensive
Say it like a native
Textbook I was obliged to pay a considerable sum for the repairs.
Native I had to fork out a fortune for the repairs.
'Fork out' carries the grudging, it-hurt feeling; 'obliged to pay a considerable sum' is an invoice.
Pattern: fork out (for something) | fork out something (for something)
In use
- I had to fork out nearly £200 to get my phone repaired.money
- Honestly, I don't like forking out for gym memberships, but I know it's important for my health.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I forked out 200 pounds the new tyres.
✓ I forked out 200 quid for new tyres. / forked out on new tyres.
Use 'fork out FOR' / 'fork out ON' something.
Common collocations
fork out (for/on)— for repairs, a fortune, on tickets, loads
Don't confuse it
'Fork out' is different from the neutral 'pay' because it always suggests you are unhappy about the cost. Do not use it in formal contexts.