tab

keep tab(s) (on someone or something) and keep track (of someone or something)

Fig. to monitor someone or something; to follow the activities of someone or something. I'm supposed to keep track of my books. Try to keep tabs on everyone who works for you. It's hard to keep tabs when you have a lot of other work to do. I can't keep track of the money I earn. Maybe someone else is spending it.

See also: keep

pick up the tab and pick up the check

to pay the bill. Whenever we go out, my father picks up the tab. Order whatever you want. The company is picking up the check.

See also: pick, up

run a tab

to accumulate charges on a bill at a bar or tavern. They won't let me run a tab here. I have to pay for each drink as I order it.

See also: run

tab someone for something

to choose someone for something. The director tabbed Sam for a walk-on part. I wanted her to tab me for a part.

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keep tabs on something/somebody

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. (often + for ) It's the taxpayer who picks up the tab for all these crazy government schemes.

See also: bill, pick, up

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keep tabs on somebody/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 bill (for something) See: pick up the tab (for something)

See also: bill, pick, up

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, up