make even; make up the difference
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to make level or even; to even up (heights, lengths, etc.)
Commonly used for physical objects like fences, brickwork, or rows of items that need to be aligned to the same height or length.
The fence is woven, but the top still needs to be leveled off.
These few bricks weren't laid flat; they need to be evened out a bit.
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The books on the shelf are uneven in height; they need to be aligned to look nice.
verb
to make up (a deficiency); to pay the balance; to complete (a sum)
Used in financial contexts when completing a partial payment or settling the remaining balance of a debt. Often used in spoken language with time words like 'tomorrow' or 'later'.
I'll give you part of it today; I'll make up the difference tomorrow.
I owed you money last time; I'm here today to pay you the balance.
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The payment is still short by twenty thousand; I'll definitely make up the difference before the end of the month.