pick up the tab
pick up the tab
To pay the cost of something, as at a restaurant or bar, especially as a treat or favor for someone else. I know it's old-fashioned, but I still think a guy should pick up the tab on a first date. My employers have offered to pick up the tab if I decide to go to grad school.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
pick up the tab
and pick up the checkto pay the bill. Whenever we go out, my father picks up the tab. Order whatever you want. The company is picking up the check.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
pick up the tab
COMMON If you pick up the tab, you pay for something, often something that you are not responsible for. Pollard picked up the tab for dinner. If your girlfriend is always picking up the tab, the inequality in your relationship may be difficult for you both to handle.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
pick up the tab
pay for something. informal, chiefly North AmericanFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
pick up the ˈtab (for something)
(informal) pay the bill, especially for a group of people in a restaurant, etc: Her father picked up the tab for all the champagne at the wedding.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017