The phrase "payed back in spades" is an idiomatic expression that means to receive something in abundance or with interest. The spelling of "payed" is actually incorrect, as the correct past tense of the verb "pay" is "paid". The term "spades" refers to a suit in a deck of cards and is pronounced with the IPA phonetic symbols /speɪdz/. This expression originates from the game of Bridge, where if a player wins all the tricks in a hand, they "win in spades".
"Payed back in spades" is an idiomatic expression that is derived from the game of bridge or spades, where "spades" refers to one of the four suits in the game. It denotes a situation where someone responds, compensates, or retaliates in an exceptionally strong or forceful manner, far exceeding what was initially done to them, often to seek revenge or balance the scales.
The phrase further conveys the idea of a thorough or complete repayment. "Payed back" represents the act of reciprocating an action or exacting justice, while "in spades" intensifies the extent or degree of this response. The term "spades" is employed metaphorically to emphasize the idea of an augmented return, equating it to receiving numerous high-value spade cards in a game of bridge, which can significantly boost one's chances of winning the trick. Therefore, the phrase suggests that not only has the person settled their debt or avenged themselves, but they have done so excessively, excelling beyond expectations.
"Payed back in spades" carries implications of revenge or retribution, highlighting a heightened intensity or magnitude of the response. It emphasizes the concept of restoring equity or taking swift action by delivering a more forceful countermeasure. The phrase can be used in various contexts, including personal relationships, business transactions, or competitive situations, where individuals seek to recover or respond in a manner that clearly exceeds the harm or injustice they have endured.