# death and taxes

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/death-and-taxes
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Something which is totally certain.

## Examples

- In this world, only death and taxes are certain.
- You can plan for every outcome, but remember that death and taxes are the only true guarantees in life.
- While market trends and political climates remain volatile, the inevitability of death and taxes serves as the only constant in an otherwise unpredictable world.

## Origin

By extension with sure as death and taxes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.