Meaning of TANSTAAFL | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Alternative letter-case form of TANSTAAFL.
   alt-of
2. Acronym of there ain't no such thing as a free lunch: something advertised as being "free" will invariably have hidden costs.
   abbreviation, acronym, alt-of

Examples

“"Gospodin," he said presently, "you used an odd word earlier--odd to me, I mean⟳..." "Oh, 'tanstaafl.' Means 'There ain't no such thing as a free lunch.' And isn't," I added, pointing to a FREE LUNCH sign⟳ across room, "or these drinks would cost⟳ half as much. Was reminding her that anything free costs twice as much in long run⟳ or turns out worthless."”

“'Tanstaafl. There ain't no such thing as a free lunch. We both know⟳ that I was brought here for a reason⟳. If we could get⟳ down to business.'”

“The TANSTAAFL principle applies to all techniques of statecraft, not just the economic ones.”

“The TANSTAAFL principle will come⟳ into play⟳ with each implementation of a calibration setting. There are no effects without side-effects. An improvement at one location will change⟳ others.”

“Hadn't realized “Free Luna” was going to have⟳ taxes. Hadn't had any before and got along. You paid for what you got. Tanstaafl. How else?”

CEFR level