foot the bill

/fˈʊt ðə bˈɪl/

[phrase]

to foot the bill

[PHRASE]

to accept the financial burden or responsibility for a certain project, service, or event, and pay for it

to [foot] the bill definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "foot the bill" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "foot the bill" is not entirely clear, but it likely comes from the world of accounting and finance. In this context, "foot" means to add up or calculate the total. It is used to describe the action of paying for something, especially when the cost is significant or burdensome.

Examples

1. The government agreed to foot the bill for the construction of the new public park.

2. The parents generously offered to foot the bill for their children's college education.

3. The company decided to foot the bill for the team's travel expenses to attend the conference.

4. Alibaba also foots the bill for the legendary talent shows of which Ma is always front and center.

Nearby words