pay a compliment
/peɪ ə ˈkɒmplɪmənt/
Meaning
To say something nice to someone, expressing praise, admiration, or approval about their appearance, work, or behavior. It is a common social interaction used to build rapport and show kindness.
Examples
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It's always nice to pay a compliment to someone when they do a good job.
It's always nice to pay a compliment to someone when they do a good job.
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He paid her a lovely compliment on her presentation skills.
He paid her a lovely compliment on her presentation skills.
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She felt embarrassed when her colleague paid her a compliment about her outfit.
She felt embarrassed when her colleague paid her a compliment about her outfit.
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Don't be afraid to pay a compliment; it can really make someone's day.
Don't be afraid to pay a compliment; it can really make someone's day.
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I wanted to pay a compliment to the chef because the meal was outstanding.
I wanted to pay a compliment to the chef because the meal was outstanding.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He made a compliment to me about my hair.
✓ He paid me a compliment about my hair.
The standard English collocation is 'pay a compliment', not 'make a compliment'.
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✗ She gave me a complement on my English.
✓ She paid me a compliment on my English.
Ensure correct spelling: 'compliment' with an 'i' is praise. 'Complement' with an 'e' means to complete or go well with something.
Related Expressions
Practice
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You should ___ to your teammate for helping you finish the project.
💡 Express praise or admiration.
Show answer
pay a compliment
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My boss ___ to me on my organization skills during the review.
💡 Expressed praise (past tense).
Show answer
paid a compliment