go dutch
Meaning
To split the cost of something (usually a meal or date) so each person pays their own share.
Origin
From older English stereotypes about the Dutch, seen in phrases like “Dutch treat,” implying each person pays for themselves rather than being treated by a host.
Notes
Common for meals/dates meaning “split the bill.” Casual. Because the “Dutch” element comes from old stereotypes, in formal contexts prefer “split the bill/check.”
Examples
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Do you want to go dutch on dinner tonight?
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On our first date, we decided to go dutch to keep things simple.
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I’m happy to go dutch for the movie tickets if you get the snacks.
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We usually go dutch when we travel so no one feels like they owe anyone.
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Let’s go dutch on the bill—I'll pay my share and you pay yours.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: “go Dutch.” Often used as “Let’s go Dutch,” “We went Dutch,” or “go Dutch on the bill.” Also appears as “Dutch treat.”
Synonyms
- split the bill
- split the check
- pay separately
- go halves
Antonyms
- treat someone
- pick up the tab
- foot the bill