Grammar fix
foot the bill
bear the expense
To pay for something, especially an expensive activity or problem.
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The landlord had to foot the bill for replacing the damaged roof.
When I had my wedding, my parents insisted on footing the bill, which was really kind, but I felt a bit guilty about it.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: My parents footed the bill of my wedding.
Say: My parents footed the bill for my wedding.
Use 'for' before the thing being paid for, not 'of'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Pay so someone else doesn't have to
How formalCasualNeutral
pick up the tabInformal: pay a bill, especially for other people's food or entertainment.
foot the billYou're here · Emphasises who bears an expense, sometimes unwillingly.
cover the costPay the amount needed for an item, service, or activity.