pay the bill vs foot the bill?

[maoyueh]

After eating at a restaurant with my friend, I can say "Let me pay/pick up the bill." Is it also appropriate to say "Let me foot the bill" in the same situation? Thank you very much.

[Tdol]

You can in British English.

[bhaisahab]

You can in British English.

Don't you think "foot the bill" has connotations of paying under duress/reluctantly?

[BobK]

After eating at a restaurant with my friend, I can say "Let me pay/pick up the bill." Is it also appropriate to say "Let me foot the bill" in the same situation? Thank you very much.

A common euphemism (avoiding mention of anything financial) is 'Let me get this.'

b

[BobK]

PS Or - more assertive - 'Don't worry - I'll get this.'

b

PPS Or - even more assertive 'Put that away [they've got their wallet out] - I'm getting this.'

[emsr2d2]

I don't think that "foot the bill" sounds like it's something that was paid under duress but I would expect it to refer to something of somewhat higher value than a restaurant meal.

For example:

The taxpayer is footing the bill for the London Olympics.

[Gillnetter]

Don't you think "foot the bill" has connotations of paying under duress/reluctantly?

Yes, that is the way I understand the term - "I guess that I'll have to foot the bill since everyone else has left."