pay the bill vs foot the bill?

Status
Not open for further replies.

maoyueh

Member
Joined
May 28, 2011
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
Taiwan
Current Location
Taiwan
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

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
You can in British English.
 

bhaisahab

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 12, 2008
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
England
Current Location
Ireland
You can in British English.
Don't you think "foot the bill" has connotations of paying under duress/reluctantly?
 

BobK

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 29, 2006
Location
Spencers Wood, near Reading, UK
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
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

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 29, 2006
Location
Spencers Wood, near Reading, UK
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
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.'
 
Last edited:

emsr2d2

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
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.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top