ON THE HOUSE - An American Idiom Lesson

Sep 25, 2017
Blog

Welcome to NJCLT's free English lesson on the popular American idiom 'on the house'! In this comprehensive lesson, you'll gain a deep understanding of the meaning, origin, and usage of this phrase.

What Does 'On the House' Mean?

'On the house' is an idiomatic expression used to refer to something that is provided free, without any charge or payment. It is commonly used when a business offers complimentary goods or services to its customers.

Origin and History

The exact origin of 'on the house' is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 19th century in the United States. The phrase is rooted in the tradition of hospitality, where hosts would provide food and drinks to their guests at no cost. Over time, it has become a widely embraced idiom used in various settings.

Usage and Examples

'On the house' is commonly used in restaurants, bars, hotels, and other businesses to indicate that the customer will not be charged for a particular item or service. It is a gesture of goodwill and is often used to enhance customer experience and build loyalty.

Here are a few examples of how 'on the house' can be used:

  • As a patron at a restaurant, you may receive a complimentary dessert 'on the house' as a token of appreciation for your loyalty.
  • When you check into a hotel, you might find a refreshing welcome drink waiting for you 'on the house'.
  • A bartender may offer you a drink 'on the house' if you are a regular customer or celebrating a special occasion.

Benefits of Using 'On the House'

The use of 'on the house' can bring numerous benefits to businesses. It helps create a positive customer experience by making the customers feel valued and appreciated. This small gesture can go a long way in building customer loyalty and encouraging repeat visits. Additionally, it can help businesses generate positive word-of-mouth marketing as delighted customers are likely to share their experiences with others.

Conclusion

Understanding the meaning and usage of 'on the house' can greatly enrich your understanding of American English idiomatic expressions. It is a phrase deeply rooted in hospitality and generosity, serving as a symbol of goodwill between businesses and their customers.

Next time you come across the phrase 'on the house', you'll have a comprehensive understanding of its significance and origins. Remember, NJCLT is always here to provide you with valuable English language resources and lessons.

Dave Rattigan
Great lesson on the meaning of "on the house"!
Nov 8, 2023
Shaquanna Perkiss
This lesson was thorough and informative. I now have a better grasp of the idiom 'on the house'.
Nov 2, 2023
Iris
I enjoy learning about idioms from different cultures. Thanks for the enlightening lesson!
Oct 4, 2023
Irene Falcone
Learning the cultural background behind idiomatic phrases is enriching.
Aug 21, 2023
Michael Chen
This lesson gave me a new perspective on the idiom 'on the house'. Thank you!
Jul 30, 2023
Kathryn Murtagh
I never knew there was so much to understand about the idiom 'on the house'! Thanks for the lesson.
Jun 11, 2023
Ram Mishra
This lesson clarified any confusion I had about the phrase 'on the house'.
Apr 24, 2023
Masha Lakhter
Learning about idioms is like diving into the deep ocean of language. Thanks for the lesson!
Jan 30, 2023
Rogerio Biondi
I find idioms fascinating, and this lesson only added to the intrigue!
Jan 10, 2023
Gustav Akman
The cultural significance of idioms is always interesting to explore. Thanks for this lesson!
Oct 14, 2022
Brian Carlson
I never knew the depth of meaning behind 'on the house' until this enlightening lesson.
Aug 28, 2022
D'Nell Gillespie
This lesson is very informative. I appreciate the detailed explanation.
Aug 16, 2022
Ed Wassermann
This lesson provided a clear and thorough understanding of the idiom 'on the house'.
Aug 3, 2022
Anmol Tyagi
I appreciate the effort that went into creating this comprehensive lesson about idioms.
Jul 28, 2022
Aaron Vincent
I use this phrase all the time, but now I have a better understanding of its nuances.
Jul 22, 2022
Thomastakoi Thomastakoi
Understanding idioms is crucial for language learners. Thanks for the detailed lesson!
Jun 10, 2022
Sonya Sarver
Idioms can be tricky, but this lesson made it really easy to understand 'on the house'.
May 5, 2022
Julian Fernandez
I've always found idioms to be an interesting aspect of language. Thanks for the insight!
Feb 20, 2022
Subramanian
Understanding idioms can be challenging, but this lesson made it easier for me.
Dec 29, 2021
Lisa Pietila
I found this lesson to be incredibly helpful in deepening my understanding of idiomatic expressions.
Dec 14, 2021
Nicole
I've always been fascinated by idiomatic expressions. Thanks for the detailed lesson!
Jul 16, 2021
Dwayne Roberts
Thanks for providing such a thorough explanation of the idiom 'on the house'!
Jun 30, 2021
Brad Frazier
I was curious about the meaning of this phrase and this lesson was really helpful.
May 14, 2021
Schuyler Lyon
Understanding idioms is essential for mastering a language. Thanks for the lesson!
May 6, 2021
Susan Chapman
I love how language reflects culture. Learning about idioms is always a joy.
May 4, 2021
Robert Thibeault
English idioms can be quite confusing, so I'm grateful for this detailed breakdown.
Feb 7, 2021
Jeff Dernavich
Understanding idioms is like solving linguistic puzzles. Thanks for the guidance!
Jan 20, 2021
David Miller
Learning about idioms is always fascinating and useful. Thanks for the lesson!
Jan 20, 2021
Ryan Landry
Thanks for this helpful explanation of the phrase 'on the house'. It's much appreciated.
Nov 9, 2020
Mike Satterfield
I appreciate the effort put into explaining the nuances of the idiom 'on the house'. Thanks!
Oct 28, 2020
Patrick Hogg
I've always been curious about the origins of idioms. This lesson was very enlightening.
Sep 5, 2020
Victor Trabado
Understanding the cultural origins of idiomatic expressions is always enlightening.
May 20, 2020
Rolynda Sanborn
I've always wondered about the origin of this phrase. Thanks for shedding light on it!
Mar 12, 2020
Katie Stoller
Learning about idioms is like discovering the hidden layers of a language.
Mar 10, 2020
Richard Podsiadlo
Understanding idioms makes language learning much more interesting and enjoyable.
Feb 22, 2020
,
I've always been intrigued by the origins and meanings of idiomatic expressions. Thanks for this!
Jan 15, 2020
Myron Schow
Thanks for providing such a comprehensive breakdown of the idiom 'on the house'. Very helpful!
Jan 2, 2020
Marc Pelini
Idioms often hold a lot of cultural significance. Thanks for this insightful lesson.
Dec 18, 2019
Carl Persson
This was a fantastic read. Thank you for providing a detailed analysis of the idiom.
Nov 28, 2019
Debra Dicarlo
This lesson provided a fascinating insight into the idiom 'on the house'. Thanks for sharing!
Nov 22, 2019
Axis Maintenance
I love how idioms reflect the cultural context. 'On the house' is a great example.
Nov 16, 2019
Kent Harrisson
I can't wait to impress my friends with my knowledge of the phrase 'on the house'!
Sep 3, 2019
Terry Foster
Clear and concise explanations like this make learning about idioms so much easier. Thanks!
Jun 26, 2019
Amiee Mabye
It's always great to learn about idioms from different cultures. Thanks for the lesson!
May 21, 2019
Annas Absyar
Understanding idioms is a crucial part of language learning. Thanks for the detailed lesson!
Apr 25, 2019
Mollie Kehoe
I've always been curious about the meanings behind idioms. Thanks for the insight!
Feb 22, 2019
Ajay Sahgal
This lesson is a great resource for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of idioms.
Feb 16, 2019
John Simmick
I didn't know there was so much to learn about the idiom 'on the house'! Thanks for the lesson.
Sep 27, 2018
David Lash
This lesson expanded my understanding of idiomatic expressions. Thanks for the insights!
Sep 6, 2018
Beth Dempsey
I appreciate the clear and concise explanation provided in this lesson.
Aug 30, 2018
Joel Buere
This lesson was comprehensive and informative. Thanks for breaking down the idiom 'on the house'!
Jul 31, 2018
Michael Trznadel
The breakdown of the idiom 'on the house' was thorough and engaging. Thank you!
Jul 9, 2018
Amanda Neely
The comprehensive breakdown of the idiom 'on the house' was incredibly helpful. Thanks!
Jun 28, 2018
Upld Acnt
I didn't know the history behind 'on the house.' This was enlightening!
Jun 20, 2018
Srikanth Chekuri
The idiomatic expressions are always fascinating. I enjoyed learning about 'on the house'.
Apr 30, 2018
Toby Goodman
I always love learning about the origins of common phrases. Thanks for the insight!
Mar 28, 2018
Greggory Warren
Idioms can be tricky, but this lesson made it easy to understand 'on the house'.
Mar 24, 2018
Craig Sarah
This lesson deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of idiomatic expressions.
Mar 17, 2018
Birinder Ghumman
Thanks for breaking down this idiom! It's helpful to understand the meaning and usage.
Mar 2, 2018
Bryan Roeben
I appreciate the effort that went into creating this informative lesson.
Jan 30, 2018
Ronald Russo
This lesson really helped to clarify the meaning and usage of the idiom 'on the house'.
Jan 20, 2018
Elise McCredie
This lesson strengthened my grasp of the idiom 'on the house'. Thanks for the clear explanation!
Dec 18, 2017
Saurabh Patel
I appreciate the attention to detail in explaining this idiomatic expression.
Nov 15, 2017
Ann Delano
Learning about idioms is always a worthwhile endeavor. Thanks for the informative lesson!
Nov 12, 2017
Andres Escobar
The lessons about idioms are always interesting and valuable. Thanks for sharing!
Oct 9, 2017
More posts