pick up the tab

idiom

US, informal
: to pay a bill (such as for a meal or drinks at a bar)
She offered to pick up the tab for the meal.

Examples of pick up the tab in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In hopes to boost dinner-hour traffic downtown, Orlando officials are planning to pick up the tab on some parking expenses. Ryan Gillespie, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2023 The Environmental Protection Agency is demanding the rail company responsible clean contaminated water and soil, and pick up the tab on all cleanup expenses. Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 21 Feb. 2023 Kerwin Olson, executive director of consumer advocate group Citizens Action Coalition, said utility customers should not be expected to pick up the tab for replacement power when a plant goes offline. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Nov. 2022 Metroparks will seek other sources, such as donations, for the property, but will pick up the tab for any remaining costs, according to agenda notes from the district’s September meeting. Robert Higgs, cleveland, 31 Oct. 2022 See All Example Sentences for pick up the tab

Cite this Entry

“Pick up the tab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pick%20up%20the%20tab. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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