FREE LUNCH Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

free lunch

noun

food provided without charge in some bars and saloons to attract customers.
Informal.��something given with no expectation of repayment, service, responsibility, etc..
In politics there's no free lunch—everyone expects favors to be repaid.

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of free lunch¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

Something acquired without due effort or cost. For example, In politics there is no free lunch; every favor calls for repayment. This expression alludes to the custom of taverns offering food free of charge to induce customers to buy drinks. It was soon extended to other kinds of gift but is often used in a negative way, as in the example. [First half of 1800s]

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The UK exemption and ultimate deal is not a free lunch.

From

But it is clear, from axing of staff trips, free lunches and other perks, nothing is off limits in Sir Jim Ratcliffe's determination to make United a leaner organisation.

From

The decisions come after a series of cost-cutting measures at the club which have included redundancies and the removal of free lunches for staff.

From

Other cost-cutting measures including the removal of free lunches for staff.

From

Several moves taken by the club which have attracted criticism, with cost-cutting measures including the removal of free lunches for staff, culminating in a protest against United's ownership by fans last weekend.

From

free love freely

Browse