1. pay for something
Professional
Social
left me to pick up the tab
This informal expression means to pay the total cost of something, especially when it is not your responsibility to do so. For example, if you and a group of friends go out for a meal somewhere, you are only responsible for paying for what you have consumed, but if you 'pick up the tab,' you pay for everyone within your group. This can be done voluntarily as a reward or act of kindness, or begrudgingly if you are left to do it. It is more commonly used in a social setting but can be used professionally, especially with regards to providing funding for something. A similar expression is 'foot the bill.'