When the amount of money saved equals or exceeds the cost of an item or service, usually through an extended period of time.
This is very often used as a means of promoting a good or service, such as gutters, food processors,
juicers etc. As in:
"Now with Debby
Meyer's green bags, you never have to throw away your produce due to
spoilage! Produce lasts up to 7 times longer, saving you money and time. This product nearly pays for itself!"
Because Jack bought a home
coffee grinder, he can grind his own beans at home! He no longer has to buy more expensive pre-ground coffee,
so in essence his new machine
pay(s) for itself.
