I was dining with a French friend recently and, at the end of the meal, I picked up the bill and said, ‘Don’t worry, this is on me’. My friend, who had a good understanding of English, was somewhat confused by this (not the fact that I would offer to pay for the meal) but because she had never come across the expression before and was trying to interpret its meaning literally ‘Ne t’inquiete pas, c’est sur moi (?). She was very pleased when I explained it’s meaning to her!
I’ll get this / This is on me – these are two everyday expressions in English which are used by one person who insists on paying for something in full and thereby giving it as a gift to his or her correspondent. They are typically used after a meal and / or drinks, but can also be used to pay for something for which the other person perhaps expected to pay at least a share of the cost.
- I will pay for some purchase.
”No, I’ll get this, to thank you for your business”
‘’Hey, if you want to get a drink for yourself at the bar too, it’s on me.’’ ‘’No, no, put your cash away—it’s on me.’’
- I will pay this bill. (Usually a bill for a meal or drinks).
”Please let me get this, you’ve already been too generous!”
‘’As the waiter set down the glasses, John said, “It’s on me,” and seized the bill. ‘’Peter: The bill, please. John: No, this one’s on me – I’ll pay for it’’.
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French equivalent – ‘’c’est pour moi’’ ‘’ c’est moi qui paye’’
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