In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase: "Foot the bill".

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of the common English idiom "Foot the bill." This phrase appears frequently in conversations about paying for meals, trips, or shared expenses. It is important to recognise that the word "foot" here is used figuratively and has nothing to do with a literal foot.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: "Foot the bill."
• Options: discount, paying, manipulating, or avoiding payment.
• The question asks for the meaning in everyday financial or social contexts.

Concept / Approach:
To "foot the bill" means to pay the entire amount of the bill or to accept responsibility for paying for something, especially when the total is significant. Historically, "to foot" a list meant to add up the items at the bottom (the "foot" of the page). From there, the expression evolved into "foot the bill," meaning to settle the total cost.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall typical usage: "My uncle offered to foot the bill for our vacation," meaning he offered to pay the entire cost. Step 2: Look for an option that involves paying money, not reducing it or altering it. Step 3: Option B clearly states "To pay for something," which is the essence of the idiom. Step 4: Confirm that no other option matches this meaning. Step 5: Select option B as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider the sentence: "He invited everyone to the restaurant and then had to foot the bill." If we replace "foot the bill" with "pay for everything," the sentence still makes perfect sense. This shows that paying for the expense is indeed the heart of the idiom's meaning.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: "To get good discount on a total bill" suggests saving money rather than paying it, which is not implied by the idiom. Option C: "To manipulate the bill" implies altering the amount due, such as changing figures, which is not part of this idiom's meaning. Option D: "To avoid paying for little expenses" is almost the opposite. "Foot the bill" means you do pay, often for everything, not avoid paying.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners misunderstand "foot" as stepping on or kicking something and imagine meanings like "rejecting a bill" or "throwing it away." However, the idiom is based on an old accounting term where the "foot" of the page is where totals are written. Keeping such historical clues in mind can help you remember that "foot the bill" is about settling the total amount due.

Final Answer:
The idiom "Foot the bill" means: To pay for something.