What does free lunch mean?
Definitions for free lunch
free lunch
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word free lunch.
Princeton's WordNet
free lunchnoun
something acquired without effort or payment or obligation
"there is no free lunch in politics or Hollywood"
Wiktionary
free lunchnoun
Something obtained without any payment, obligation or effort
Wikipedia
Free lunch
A free lunch is the providing of a meal at no cost, usually as a sales enticement to attract customers and increase revenues from other business. It was once a common tradition in saloons and taverns in many places in the United States, with the phrase appearing in U.S. literature from about 1870 to the 1920s. These establishments included a "free" lunch, which varied from rudimentary to quite elaborate, with the purchase of at least one drink. These free lunches were typically worth far more than the price of a single drink. The saloon-keeper relied on the expectation that most customers would buy more than one drink, and that the practice would build patronage for other times of day. The hardships of the Depression marked the curtailing of the widespread practice for reasons of economy, and it never really returned. Free food or drink is sometimes supplied in contemporary times, often by gambling establishments such as casinos. The present day Happy Hour in many lounges and taverns often feature free appetizers or low-priced menu items.
ChatGPT
free lunch
A "free lunch" generally refers to a situation where one receives something without giving any payment or exchange in return. This could be goods, services, or benefits that are provided at no cost to the recipient. However, it often signifies a hidden or indirect cost as represented in the phrase "There's no such thing as a free lunch," implying that even if something appears to be free, there is usually a catch or cost involved.
Wikidata
Free lunch
A free lunch is a sales enticement that offers a meal at no cost in order to attract customers and increase revenues from other offerings. It was a tradition once common in saloons in many places in the United States, with the phrase appearing in U.S. literature from about 1870 to 1920. These establishments included a "free" lunch, varying from rudimentary to quite elaborate, with the purchase of at least one drink. These free lunches were typically worth far more than the price of a single drink. The saloon-keeper relied on the expectation that most customers would buy more than one drink, and that the practice would build patronage for other times of day. Free food or drink is sometimes supplied in contemporary times, often by gambling establishments such as casinos. The saying "there ain't no such thing as a free lunch", often abbreviated to TANSTAAFL, refers to this custom, meaning that things which appear to be free are always paid for in some way.
Matched Categories
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of free lunch in Chaldean Numerology is: 6
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of free lunch in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2
Examples of free lunch in a Sentence
A free lunch is only found in mousetraps.
It's a free lunch, but not if you yield to the temptations.
You don't get a free lunch until you can afford to buy the restaurant
There's no free lunch, but at least you're getting paid for the risk you're taking.
You don't get a free lunch until you can afford to buy the restaurant.
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"free lunch." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 16 Mar. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/free+lunch>.
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