Pronunciation: /pɪk ʌp ðə tæb/
noun a word (other than a pronoun) used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things
A1 I asked my friend to pick up the tab at the restaurant.
A2 When we go out for dinner, we usually take turns picking up the tab.
B1 It's common courtesy to offer to pick up the tab when dining with friends.
B2 As a gesture of appreciation, he insisted on picking up the tab for the whole group.
C1 The wealthy businessman graciously picked up the tab for the entire charity event.
C2 In high society circles, it is expected that someone will always pick up the tab for expensive dinners.
verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence
A1 I pick up the tab for my friend's coffee.
A2 She always picks up the tab when we go out for dinner.
B1 It's common courtesy to pick up the tab when you invite someone out.
B2 I'll pick up the tab this time, you can get it next time.
C1 As a gesture of gratitude, he picked up the tab for the entire group.
C2 The wealthy businessman graciously picked up the tab for the entire restaurant.
preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause
A1 I will pick up the tab for our lunch.
A2 She always offers to pick up the tab when we go out.
B1 Let's take turns picking up the tab for dinner.
B2 It's my turn to pick up the tab this time.
C1 As a gesture of gratitude, he insisted on picking up the tab for the entire group.
C2 The company president graciously picked up the tab for the extravagant dinner.
formal I will be happy to pick up the tab for dinner tonight.
informal Don't worry about it, I'll pick up the tab this time.
slang I got this, I'll pick up the tab for drinks.
figurative In the end, the company had to pick up the tab for their irresponsible actions.
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