something for nothing
Gift without effort
Something for nothing describes getting a benefit without giving anything in return—no payment, effort, or exchange.
The phrase often carries skepticism: There's no such thing as something for nothing.
It implies that apparent freebies usually have hidden costs or strings attached.
Someone looking for something for nothing wants gain without contribution.
- freebieItem given gratis
- free lunchBenefit without payment
- on the houseGiven without charge
- free passExemption from consequences
- golden gooseReliable profit source
windfall · easy money · easy pickings · no strings attached · too good to be true · silver spoon · pie in the sky · exploitation · loophole · skin in the game · greed · gift · meal ticket · opportunism · bargain · manipulation · entitlement · gravy train
something for nothingquid pro quo
Reciprocal exchange of value
give and take · fair trade · even swap · equal exchange · tit for tat
something for nothinghard-earned
Acquired through great effort
earn your keep · no pain no gain · sweat equity · blood sweat and tears · honest work
something, nothing, thing, things, something's, nothingness, somethings, thingamajig