tab

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tabs

1) N-COUNT A tab is a small piece of cloth or paper that is attached to something, usually with information about that thing written on it.

A stupid medical clerk had slipped the wrong tab on his X-ray while reaching for a mug of tea.

...a small red tab sewn on to the left-hand side of the back right pocket.

Syn:

tag, label

2) N-COUNT A tab is the total cost of goods or services that you have to pay, or the bill or check for those goods or services. [mainly AM]

At least one estimate puts the total tab at $7 million...

`I'll get my purse out of the bedroom.' - `No sweat, Mrs. Day. We can put it on your tab.'

Syn:

bill

3) N-COUNT A tab is a metal strip that you pull off the top of a can of drink in order to open it.

4) N-COUNT A tab is tablet of a drug that is sold illegally. [INFORMAL]

One tab of Ecstasy costs at least ₤15.

5) PHRASE: V inflects: PHR n If someone keeps tabs on you, they make sure that they always know where you are and what you are doing, often in order to control you. [INFORMAL]

It was obvious Hill had come over to keep tabs on Johnson and make sure he didn't do anything drastic.

6) PHRASE: V inflects If you pick up the tab, you pay a bill on behalf of a group of people or provide the money that is needed for something. [INFORMAL]

Pollard picked up the tab for dinner that night...

Today any employee with back or shoulder pain can go straight to Mr Jay and the company will pick up the tab.