Pronunciation: [pˈe͡ɪz bˈak spˈe͡ɪdz] (IPA) 
The phrase "pays back spades" uses a common English spelling rule known as "magic E." The final "e" at the end of "spades" changes the "a" to a long "a" sound. In IPA transcription, this is represented as /peɪz bæk speɪdz/. The phrase means to get revenge or retaliate with force. It is often used in a confrontational context, such as in response to someone who has wronged you.
The phrase "pays back spades" does not have an established dictionary definition. However, an interpretation of the phrase can be derived by breaking it down into its component words.
1. "Pays back": This phrase typically signifies the act of returning something to someone in response to a favor or debt previously owed. It usually implies reciprocating a kindness, repaying a loan, or exacting revenge or retribution.
2. "Spades": Spades is a term that can have multiple meanings. In the context of cards, it is one of the four suits in a deck, often symbolized as a black inverted heart-shaped symbol. However, in slang or colloquial language, "spades" can also refer to a tool used for digging or cutting.
Considering these definitions, the phrase "pays back spades" could potentially imply a myriad of interpretations. One possible interpretation is that someone is returning a favor or debt owed in an intense, forceful, or decisive manner. It could suggest that the repayment is particularly significant or impactful, comparable to wielding a spade while digging or cutting intensely. However, without a specific context, this interpretation remains open-ended and can be subject to individual understanding or variation in usage.
