TANSTAAFL

Alternative forms

• tanstaafl
• TINSTAAFL (there is no such thing as a free lunch)

Etymology

Acronym, originating in the early 20th century, and popularized by Robert Heinlein's novel The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress.

Phrase

TANSTAAFL

1. (idiomatic) There ain't no such thing as a free lunch; something advertised as being "free" will invariably have hidden costs.
   • 1966, Robert Heinlein, The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress:

     "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."

   • 1985, Lance Parkin, The Infinity Doctors, page 229:

     '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.'

   • 1985, Baldwin, David Allen, “National Power and Economic Statecraft”, in Economic Statecraft‎, →ISBN, page 140:

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

   • 2015, McCarthy, Bob, “Calibration”, in Sound System Design and Optimization‎, →ISBN, page 433:

     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.