On the house

preposition phrase

Something is free, you don't need to pay for it.

The first drink at the bar is on the house.
Visual representation of "on the house" - Something is free, you don't need to pay for it.

Often appears as...

  • drinks are on the house
  • meals are on the house

Usage tips

Idiomatic

preposition phrase

Something is free, you don't need to pay for it.

The first drink at the bar is on the house.
Visual representation of "on the house" - Something is free, you don't need to pay for it.

Often appears as...

  • drinks are on the house
  • meals are on the house

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "on the house"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Hospitality Gesture

It's often used to show generosity by a business, especially in restaurants and bars.

Illustration for Hospitality Gesture
After we had dinner, the dessert was on the house as a kind gesture.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Apology Token

Sometimes used to apologize for a mistake or inconvenience caused by the service provider.

Illustration for Apology Token
Our order was late, so the manager made the appetizers on the house.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Customer Loyalty

Used to reward repeat customers or to encourage them to return.

Illustration for Customer Loyalty
Thank you for dining with us often; tonight's meal is on the house!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Hospitality Gesture

It's often used to show generosity by a business, especially in restaurants and bars.

Illustration for Hospitality Gesture
After we had dinner, the dessert was on the house as a kind gesture.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Apology Token

Sometimes used to apologize for a mistake or inconvenience caused by the service provider.

Illustration for Apology Token
Our order was late, so the manager made the appetizers on the house.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Customer Loyalty

Used to reward repeat customers or to encourage them to return.

Illustration for Customer Loyalty
Thank you for dining with us often; tonight's meal is on the house!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Hospitality Gesture

It's often used to show generosity by a business, especially in restaurants and bars.

Illustration for Hospitality Gesture
After we had dinner, the dessert was on the house as a kind gesture.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Apology Token

Sometimes used to apologize for a mistake or inconvenience caused by the service provider.

Illustration for Apology Token
Our order was late, so the manager made the appetizers on the house.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Customer Loyalty

Used to reward repeat customers or to encourage them to return.

Illustration for Customer Loyalty
Thank you for dining with us often; tonight's meal is on the house!
Visual representation of the word "On the house"

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