pick up the tab

USAGE SUMMARY

"pick up the tab" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to express an offer to pay for something. For example: "I know money is tight right now, so I'll pick up the tab."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Naturally, taxpayers pick up the tab.

The New York Times

She's more likely to pick up the tab that way.

The New York Times

"We would be hard-pressed to pick up the tab.

The New York Times

In the end, someone has to pick up the tab.

The New York Times

We will be happy to pick up the tab.

The New York Times

/ Alcindoro will pick up the tab!

The Guardian - Music

Leaving the public to pick up the tab.

The New York Times

American taxpayers pick up the tab.

The New York Times

Colleges often pick up the tab.

The New York Times

They'll get treated, and the taxpayer or the insured will pick up the tab.

The Economist

The solution, naturally, is to get the private sector to pick up the tab.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pick up the tab", ensure the context clearly indicates who is paying and for what. It's often used to express generosity or responsibility for covering costs.

Common error

Avoid using "pick up the tab" when only covering a portion of the bill. Be clear if you're paying for everything or just a part to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick up the tab" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It signifies the action of paying a bill or covering expenses, often implying generosity or obligation. Ludwig's examples show its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pick up the tab" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to indicate that someone will pay a bill or cover expenses. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, signaling its broad applicability across different registers. Alternatives such as "foot the bill" and "cover the cost" provide similar meanings with slight variations in formality. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context makes it clear who is paying for what.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foot the bill

Emphasizes the act of paying, similar to "pick up the tab", but can sometimes imply a larger or more significant expense.

cover the cost

Focuses on the financial aspect of handling expenses, often used in business or formal settings.

pay for everything

Highlights the comprehensive nature of covering all expenses, leaving no costs to others.

settle the account

Suggests finalizing a bill or debt, often used in commercial contexts.

take care of the expenses

Indicates a responsibility for managing and paying the costs involved.

bear the expense

Suggests accepting the financial burden, possibly reluctantly.

be responsible for payment

Highlights who will provide the payment.

handle the charges

Highlights how to deal with payment.

make the payment

To offer monetary compensation.

sponsor

Describes the action of someone who will cover costs.

FAQs

What does it mean to "pick up the tab"?

To "pick up the tab" means to pay the bill or cover the expenses for something, often a meal or service.

How can I use "pick up the tab" in a sentence?

You could say, "I'll pick up the tab for dinner tonight" or "The company will pick up the tab for the conference expenses".

What's a more formal way to say "pick up the tab"?

More formal alternatives include "foot the bill" or "cover the cost".

Is "pick up the tab" appropriate for business communication?

Yes, "pick up the tab" is acceptable in many business contexts, though using phrases like "cover the expenses" may be more professional in formal reports.