tab (redirected from picking up the tab)

keep tabs on something/someone

to watch a person or a situation carefully so that you always know what they are doing or what is happening. I like to keep tabs on my bank balance so that I don't get overdrawn. I get the feeling he's keeping tabs on me and watching my every move.

See also: keep

pick up the bill/tab (informal)

to pay for something, often something that is not your responsibility. When we go out for dinner it's always Jack who picks up the bill. It's the taxpayer who picks up the tab for all these crazy government schemes. (often + for)

See also: bill, pick

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keep tabs on someone/something

to watch a person or a situation carefully. Websites use software that keeps tabs on who visits the site. Once you buy a stock, you need to keep tabs on it.

See also: keep

pick up the tab (for something)

to pay money for something. We shouldn't have to pick up the tab for the new road if only one family will be using it.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form pick up the bill (for something): Taxpayers will have to pick up the bill for political campaigns.

See also: pick