Meaning
To take money out of one's pocket to pay for something.
Cultural Background
In France, splitting bills is common among friends, and this phrase is often used to signal that someone is taking their turn to pay. The phrase is used similarly in Quebec, though the tone is often more informal. Belgian French speakers use this idiom exactly as it is used in France.
Use it naturally
Don't overthink the grammar; just use it when you talk about paying.
Not for rent
Don't use it for monthly bills; it sounds weird.
Meaning
To take money out of one's pocket to pay for something.
Use it naturally
Don't overthink the grammar; just use it when you talk about paying.
Not for rent
Don't use it for monthly bills; it sounds weird.
Context is key
Use it when you want to sound like a native speaker.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase.
Il a dû mettre la ____ à la poche.
The idiom is 'mettre la main à la poche'.
Which preposition is correct?
Mettre la main ___ la poche.
The idiom uses the preposition 'à'.
Choose the best response.
A: Qui paie le dîner ? B: ____
This is the correct idiomatic expression for paying.
Match the idiom to its meaning.
Mettre la main à la poche -> ?
It means to pay.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIl a dû mettre la ____ à la poche.
The idiom is 'mettre la main à la poche'.
Mettre la main ___ la poche.
The idiom uses the preposition 'à'.
A: Qui paie le dîner ? B: ____
This is the correct idiomatic expression for paying.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It means to pay.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, but it's more common for shared or unexpected costs.
No, it's a standard idiom.
Only if you are talking about company finances.
Yes, but it's more expressive.
No, absolutely not.
No, use 'la'.
Related Phrases
Payer de sa poche
synonymTo pay from one's own money
Sortir le portefeuille
similarTo take out the wallet
Cracher au bassinet
specialized formTo pay up (slang)
