footed the bill

Picked up tab

Footed the bill means paid the cost, especially for a group or on someone else's behalf: Her parents footed the bill for the wedding.

The phrase implies accepting financial responsibility, often for something substantial.

The expression likely comes from "footing up" a column of figures—adding them and writing the total at the foot.

Opposites

payment responsibility

footed the billstiffed

Refused owed payment

payment distribution

footed the billwent Dutch

Shared meal costs equally

Family