foot the bill
Meaning
To pay the bill or cover the costs for something, often for a group or event.
Origin
Recorded from the 1800s. “Foot” was used in bookkeeping meaning to add up a column of figures and arrive at the total at the “foot” (bottom) of the page, which then had to be paid.
Notes
Means to cover the cost (not just pay your own share). Often implies you’re taking on the expense for others; can be used for people, companies, or governments.
Examples
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The company agreed to foot the bill for our travel expenses.
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If you invite everyone out to dinner, don’t be surprised if you end up footing the bill.
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Her insurance wouldn’t cover it, so she had to foot the bill herself.
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The city will foot the bill for repairs to the damaged bridge.
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They expected his parents to foot the bill for the wedding.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a verb phrase: “foot the bill (for X).” Tense changes: foot/footed/footing. Common patterns: “Who’s going to foot the bill?” “X footed the bill.”
Synonyms
- pay the bill
- pick up the tab
- cover the cost
- pay for it
Antonyms
- split the bill
- go dutch