ENGLISH
REFERENCE

marriage penalty

idiom

A situation where a married couple pays more in taxes, typically income taxes, when filing jointly, than the two individuals would pay if filing as singles separately.


Anchors to
Related idioms4entries
  1. 01

    marriage bed

    Sexual activity between a married couple.

  2. 02

    pay the penalty

    To incur negative consequences of one's deeds; to suffer as a result of some choice.

  3. 03

    penalty box

    A temporary punishment, or, metaphorically, a similar setback (e.g., loss of control, embarrassment, etc.).

  4. 04

    white marriage

    An unconsummated marriage.

© 2026 English Reference