pay the bill vs foot the bill?

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.

You can in British English.

Tdol said:

You can in British English.

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

maoyueh said:

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.

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

b

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.'

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.