- idiomatic There ain't no such thing as a free lunch; something
advertised as being "free" will invariably have hidden costs. -
Acronym, originating in the early 20th century, and popularized
by Robert Heinlein's novel, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.
(Wiktionary) “The acronym TANSTAAFL was used by Robert Heinlein,
the science fiction writer, in his 1966 novel,” “Wealthy
taxpayers must have gotten their gains at someone else's
expense, since TANSTAAFL.” “» Heinlein on national health care:
TANSTAAFL heinleinblog heinleinblog” “But then I think that most
people who cite TANSTAAFL have never read “Mistress”, have no
understanding that it applies only in a closed system, and are
still looking for their own free lunches.” “Heinlein Gets the
Last Word" is Kurt Vonnegut's New York Times article on the
literary importance of Heinlein and the uncut Stranger in a
Strange Land (free registration required, or use our gift to
you: username/password = heinlein100/TANSTAAFL).” “The Moon is a
Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlei