pick up the tab

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to cover a bill yourself, often for a group after a meal or other outing

Word picture

A bill is pictured as a tab that one person picks up and takes into their own hands to settle.

Example

“Nora picked up the tab after the team celebrated its successful launch.”

Dictionary details

Component words

pick tab

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

pick holes Neutral · CEFR B2

to scrutinize something in order to expose its flaws

live it up Informal · CEFR B1

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

down at heel Neutral · CEFR C1

shabby, worn, or neglected in appearance, often because of poverty

a rip-off Informal · CEFR B1

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

bang for your buck Informal · CEFR B1

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

cost an arm and a leg Informal · CEFR B1

To be extremely expensive.

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.

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