English idiom

go Dutch

Register · Informal CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to share the cost of a meal or outing equally

Why this phrase?

The phrase may come from 17th-century anti-Dutch stereotyping of frugality; today it simply means splitting the bill.

Example

“We always go Dutch on dinner so nobody feels obliged.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

a rip-off

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

bang for your buck

the value or impact you get for the money or effort spent

cost an arm and a leg

To be extremely expensive.

live it up

to celebrate or indulge freely, usually by spending more than usual

make ends meet

To earn just enough money to cover your basic expenses.

money doesn't grow on trees

Used to remind someone that money is limited and hard to earn.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

markdown