Idiom idiom
there's no such thing as a free lunch
Meaning
Nothing is entirely free
Examples
“You must pay for that gift because there's no such thing as a free lunch.”
“The app is free to download, but you soon realize there's no such thing as a free lunch when you see all the advertisements.”
“While the government promised lower taxes and better services, the public remained skeptical, knowing that there's no such thing as a free lunch in the world of economics.”
Origin
From 19th-century American saloons that offered a 'free lunch' to anyone buying a drink — the cost was hidden in the drink prices; later popularised in economics by Milton Friedman.
Last updated June 7, 2026