pick up the tab
To accept a bill and pay it, especially at a bar or restaurant.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't worry, I will pick up the tab today.”
“Since it is your birthday, let me pick up the tab for our dinner tonight.”
“The generous host insisted on picking up the tab for the entire group, refusing to let his guests contribute a single cent.”
- 01
captain's pick
A decision made by a leader without consulting others.
- 02
have a bone to pick
To have a complaint or grievance (with somebody); to have a contentious issue to discuss.
- 03
keep tabs on
To monitor; to keep track of; to watch.
- 04
pick apart
To review or analyse in great detail
- 05
pick at
To touch, grab, handle, or pull tentatively or gingerly, using a utensil or one's fingers.
- 06
pick corners
To choose a preference (as in predicting which boxer will win a match).
- 07
pick holes
To find weaknesses, errors or imperfections (in).
- 08
pick of the litter
The best person or item in a group; the best that one has to offer.
Last updated August 10, 2026