› to have to pay money back to someone: [+ two objects] You still owe me money. He owes about £5000 to the bank. owe sb an apology/favour/drink, etc › to have to give something to someone because they deserve it: I think I owe you an apology. Thanks, I owe you a drink for that.
owe your existence/success, etc to sb/sth › to have something or achieve something because of someone or something else: The museum owes much of its success to the present generation of young British artists.