ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sin tax

idiom
Meaning

A government-imposed tax on a specific good, service, or activity which is legal but widely considered to be unwholesome or socially harmful, such as a tax on alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or gambling.


Examples
SIMPLE

The government adds a sin tax to cigarettes and alcohol.

CONTEXTUAL

Many countries use a sin tax to discourage people from buying products that are bad for their health.

COMPLEX

Economists often debate whether a sin tax effectively reduces consumption or simply places an unfair financial burden on those struggling with addiction.

Anchors to
Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    cheese tax

    A portion of cheese given to a domestic animal such as a dog or cat, usually when the cheese is being brought out or prepared for human consumption.

  2. 02

    live in sin

    To cohabit as if husband and wife without being married.

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