on the house — paid for by the establishment; free of charge
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: paid for by the establishment; free of charge
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɑːn ðə haʊs/
Example Sentences
- After waiting two hours for our food, the manager said dessert was on the house.
- The hotel offered breakfast on the house to apologize for the noisy construction.
- It's your birthday? Then this round of shots is on the house!
on the house
ADVERB[/ɑːn ðə haʊs/]
paid for by the establishment; free of charge
a friendly waiter carries a tray with a slice of chocolate cake toward a surprised customer sitting at a dinner table. The waiter smiles warmly and gestures that the dessert is complimentary. The customer looks delighted and surprised, pointing at themselves with a questioning expression. The waiter nods enthusiastically while setting down the free dessert. Other diners in the background notice the generous gesture and smile approvingly. The restaurant owner watches from behind the counter with a satisfied expression. something being provided free of charge by the establishment
Anniversary drinks on the house for the spouse, with crumbs for the mouse!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase originated from a literal interpretation of 'on the house' meaning 'by the house (establishment)'. It evolved to denote that the proprietor or establishment bears the cost, commonly used in bars and restaurants to indicate complimentary service or merchandise.
Breakdown
on (by, at the expense of) + the house (the establishment, bar, or restaurant). The phrase treats 'house' as a metonym for the business owner or proprietor who covers the expense.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After waiting two hours for our food, the manager said dessert was on the house.”
“The hotel offered breakfast on the house to apologize for the noisy construction.”
“It's your birthday? Then this round of shots is on the house!”
“The coffee shop owner gave us cake on the house because we were regular customers.”
📚Related Words
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