Money

There's no such thing as a free lunch

You can't get something for nothing; there is always a hidden cost somewhere.

Examples

  • The app is free, but it sells your data – there's no such thing as a free lunch.
  • I'd read the small print first. There's no such thing as a free lunch.

How to use it

A saying, usually used as a warning. Often shortened to "there's no free lunch".

Where it comes from

Often linked to American bars of the 1800s that offered a "free lunch" to customers who bought drinks.