English Reference
Idiom idiom

foot the bill


To pay for something.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

My boss will foot the bill for our lunch today.

CONTEXTUAL

When the company organized the team dinner, the manager agreed to foot the bill for everyone.

COMPLEX

Although the charity event was intended to be self-sustaining, the organizers were ultimately forced to foot the bill for the unexpected venue costs.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    beat feet

    To run.

  2. 02

    bill of goods

    A set of misleading or deceptive claims.

  3. 03

    butcher's bill

    death toll

  4. 04

    Christmas tree bill

    A bill consisting of many riders that attracts many, often unrelated, floor amendments, which may provide special benefits to various groups or interests.

  5. 05

    drag one's feet

    To procrastinate, put off; to dawdle, avoid, or make progress slowly and reluctantly.

  6. 06

    feet first

    In the manner of a deceased person (i.e., dead).

  7. 07

    feet of clay

    In someone apparently strong and without failings, a hidden weakness which could lead to downfall.

  8. 08

    find one's feet

    To grow in confidence in a new situation as one gains experience.

Last updated August 10, 2026