on the house
Meaning
Provided free of charge by a business; the establishment pays for it.
Origin
From the sense of “the house” meaning the establishment (bar, restaurant, casino). If something is “on the house,” it’s charged to the business rather than the customer—i.e., complimentary.
Notes
Used in restaurants/bars when the business gives you something free as a courtesy or apology. Casual; usually said by staff/host, not claimed by the customer.
Examples
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The bartender gave us a round of drinks on the house after the long wait.
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Dessert is on the house tonight because it’s your birthday.
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When the hotel lost our reservation, they upgraded our room on the house.
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I complained about the cold soup, and the manager offered a replacement on the house.
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As a thank-you for being a regular, your coffee is on the house today.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase. Common patterns: “It’s on the house.” / “Drinks are on the house.” / “This round is on the house.” Rarely used with verbs other than “be.”
Synonyms
- complimentary
- free of charge
- on the house (compliments of the house)
Antonyms
- at your expense
- you pay
- on you