Why is something free referred to as, "on the house"?
by 
MusicalChef
ANSWERS: 4
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If you get a free drink in a bar, it is "on the house", because the bar has paid for the drink in the first place. In this case, the bar is "the house".
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In the old days people would put ornaments on your house for free.
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Interesting.
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I'm led to believe that a long while ago, a family (or their name) was referred to as 'the House of...', and something on them was paid for by them (on their bill, perhaps?). Hence, on the house. Still, beware that this is my own supposition and has no basis in established fact, nor any references to back it up.
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