English idiom: to pay a visit

[Kelly]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #100 "The Parliamentary Candidate (3)", question 6

At eleven o'clock he ......... a brief visit to a public house on the estate. Henry couldn't offer to buy anyone a drink because he knew very well that his opponents would consider that to be dishonest. So he let one of his supporters buy him a drink instead.

(a) bought
(b) paid
(c) sought
(d) did

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #100 "The Parliamentary Candidate (3)", answer 6

At eleven o'clock he paid a brief visit to a public house on the estate. Henry couldn't offer to buy anyone a drink because he knew very well that his opponents would consider that to be dishonest. So he let one of his supporters buy him a drink instead.

Correct answer: (b) paid

Your answer was: incorrect
At eleven o'clock he did a brief visit to a public house on the estate. Henry couldn't offer to buy anyone a drink because he knew very well that his opponents would consider that to be dishonest. So he let one of his supporters buy him a drink instead.
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Hi Alan
What does it mean ' paid a brief visit' ? Is it an idiom ?
Can u explain to me ?

Thank you

Kelly

[Alan]

Hi Kelly,

Pay a visit is an accepted expression - meaning make a visit or simply visit.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Vladimir13]

Hi teachers,

I'm sorry I'm not a big specialist in politics and hope you satisfy my curiosity. I can't see what would be dishonest in the election campaign if Henry offered to buy anyone a drink?

Thank you,
Vladimir.
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My little horse must think it queer...

[Beeesneees]

It wpi;d be seen as a mild form of bribery by his opponents. They could say he was attempting to buy their favour.
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Cheers m' dears!

[Vladimir13]

Thank you Beeesneees,

Now I've caught it!!!
The complexity of my comprehention was in the "direction of buying".
I've decided for some reason that Henry offered to buy a drink for him.
But the sentence have the opposite meaning when Henry offered to buy a drink for anyone. (is it grammaticallly correct?)

So, I would be grateful if you explain me how to express the opposite meaning in both cases? And does the original sentence have two interpretations?

Many many, many thanks,
Vladimir.
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My little horse must think it queer...

[Beeesneees]

Henry offered to but a drink.
Someone offered to buy Henry a drink.

The original sentence only has one interpretation.
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Cheers m' dears!

[Vladimir13]

Hi Beeesneees,

Now I know that if Henry offers something to others and Henry do it, it sounds like (in the Past):
Henry offered to buy a drink.

When someone offers Henry to do something it sounds like (in the Past):
Someone offered to buy Henry a drink.

So, how to say that someone offers to do something for Henry?
Someone offered to buy a drink for Henry. Is it correct?

After the next reply of Beeesneees:
Someone offered to buy for Henry a drink.

Thanks a lot,
Vladimir.
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My little horse must think it queer...

[Beeesneees]

It's okay, yes. I'd prefer putting 'Henry' first though.
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Cheers m' dears!