Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English

On the house

What does it mean?

Something is free because the business is paying for it.

REAL WORDS.
REAL ENGLISH.
Native UK character with a collection of useful English phrases

Is it positive or negative?

Positive.

When do you use it?

Use it in restaurants or bars when the staff gives you a free item.

Examples

Example 1: The dessert was on the house.

Example 2: They gave us a drink on the house for the delay.

NOW MAKE IT YOURS

Question for you

Have you ever had something on the house?

Try saying your answer aloud, using the expression.

Practise it in a lesson

Are you looking for English speaking practice online?

On the house is a lovely phrase to hear in a cafe or restaurant. We practise these service phrases in online English lessons with a British native speaker. For food talk, see sarnie. Find out more here.

Book your first lesson