foot the bill

Idioms and Phrases

Pay the bill, settle the accounts, as in The bride's father was resigned to footing the bill for the wedding . This expression uses foot in the sense of “add up and put the total at the foot, or bottom, of an account.” [ Colloquial ; early 1800s]

Example Sentences

Some of us, through our news organizations, had to foot the bill for private security at various Trump rallies.

From Salon

Ms Logan had not taken out travel insurance meaning the family has now been left to foot the bill for Lily's medical care.

From BBC

“Reinsurance is a main reason State Farm is asking for its massive 30% rate hike — but the company is overpaying for reinsurance and consumers shouldn’t foot the bill,” said Carmen Balber, executive director of the group.

From Los Angeles Times

Some owners find they can’t foot the bill, and prices have fallen in buildings with big new maintenance assessments.

From Slate

The project is expected to cost about £150m, with City Hall officials hoping local businesses, private funders and new revenue streams could foot the bill.

From BBC