render unto Caesar

idiom

Meaning

To give (something) to one's state or government, especially in the form of a tax payment.

Origin

disputed origin

From the Holy Bible (Matthew, 22:21): Then he said to them, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.” (KJV; spelling modernized)

Examples

SIMPLE

You must render unto Caesar what is required by law.

CONTEXTUAL

Even if you dislike the current tax policy, you still have to render unto Caesar every April.

COMPLEX

The merchant grumbled about the high tariffs, yet he knew he must render unto Caesar his fair share to keep his business operating legally.

Anchors to

Caesar
render
unto