ˈdeɪlaɪt ˈrɑbəri
Money & Finance
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- A robbery committed during daylight hours
What does "daylight robbery" mean?
- Blatant overcharging or an unfairly high price
- Something outrageously expensive
Examples
- Charging $50 for parking is daylight robbery!
- These ticket prices are daylight robbery.
- The fees they charge are nothing short of daylight robbery.
Origin
British expression from the 18th century, possibly referring to the 1696 Window Tax in England, where homes were taxed based on the number of windows. Critics called it 'daylight robbery.' Now used for any outrageous overcharging.
How to use it
Strong expression of outrage at high prices. More common in British English but understood in North America. Very emphatic complaint.
Similar expressions
rip-off
highway robbery
extortion
Opposites
fair price
bargain
Related idioms
- pay an arm and a leg
To pay an extremely high price
- make ends meet
To earn just enough money to cover basic expenses
- cost an arm and a leg
To be very expensive
- money doesn't grow on trees
Money is not easily acquired; it must be earned
- break the bank
To cost too much money
- hit the jackpot
To achieve great success or win something valuable
Use it in a practice answer
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