Picks up the check is a phrase used to describe someone who pays for a meal or outing for a group of people. This phrase can be broken down into two words, 'pays' and 'TREATS'. The first word, 'pays', is a four letter word meaning to give money in exchange for goods or services. The second word, 'TREATS', is a six letter word meaning to provide something enjoyable, such as a meal or outing, for someone else. Together, these two words form the phrase 'picks up the check', which is used to describe someone who pays for a meal or outing for a group of people.