The term 'PICKS UP THE TAB' is a phrase used to describe someone who pays for the expenses of a group. The crossword solutions for this term are FOOTS (5 letters), TREATS (6 letters), and PAYS (4 letters). FOOTS is an informal term for feet, which can be used to describe someone walking away after paying for the group. TREATS is another word for food or drinks, which could be what the person is paying for. PAYS is the verb form of payment, which is what the person is doing for the group.