Thursday, 25 February 2016

expressions - An alternative way of asking for the bill?

Just the other day at a bar, the bartender asked, "Shall I open a tab?" When I was finished (a few hours later), it would have made total sense to ask, "Can you close me out?". Close goes with open. But, if one is dining and needs the check, although "Can you close me out?" would be perfectly understood by any waitperson, it's not the conventional way to ask for the check. (I've never heard the word "bill" used in a restaurant or a bar. Only when, for example, having one's plumbing or roof fixed.)

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