ɡoʊ dʌtʃ
Money & Finance
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- To act in the manner of Dutch people
What does "go Dutch" mean?
- To split the cost of a meal or activity equally
- For each person to pay their own share of expenses
Examples
- Let's go Dutch on dinner tonight.
- They always go Dutch on their dates.
- Should we go Dutch, or is someone treating?
Origin
Originated from 17th-century Anglo-Dutch rivalry. The English used 'Dutch' pejoratively to imply stinginess or unconventional behavior.
How to use it
Common and practical, especially on casual dates or among friends. Some consider it dated due to stereotypes.
Similar expressions
split the bill
share the cost
pay separately
Opposites
treat someone
pick up the tab
Related idioms
- pay an arm and a leg
To pay an extremely high price
- make ends meet
To earn just enough money to cover basic expenses
- cost an arm and a leg
To be very expensive
- money doesn't grow on trees
Money is not easily acquired; it must be earned
- break the bank
To cost too much money
- hit the jackpot
To achieve great success or win something valuable
Use it in a practice answer
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