What does “Highway robbery” mean?
"Highway robbery" means an act of stealing or charging an exorbitant amount of money for something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Paying $10 for a cup of coffee is highway robbery!
Example
The price they're asking for this designer handbag is highway robbery.
Example
I can't believe they charged me $50 for parking, it's highway robbery
Is “Highway robbery” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Highway robbery” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Highway robbery” effectively in context?
You can use "Highway Robbery" to express outrage or disbelief at the price or cost of something, emphasizing that it is excessively expensive or unfair. For example, if a friend tells you they paid $20 for a small sandwich, you might respond, 'That's "highway robbery"! They're ripping you off!'
- 1Shopping
I went to buy a new phone, but the prices were highway robbery. I couldn't believe how expensive they were!
- 2Dining out
The restaurant charged $15 for a glass of water. That's highway robbery!
- 3Travel
The hotel charged $100 for Wi-Fi access. It felt like highway robbery!
Similar phrases to “Highway robbery”:
Rip-off
An act of overcharging or swindling someone
Example
They charged me $50 for a simple repair. What a rip-off!
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Highway robbery” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Highway Robbery" dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries when highwaymen would ambush travelers on the roads and steal their belongings. The phrase became popularized to describe any act of stealing or charging an exorbitant amount of money for something.
Is “Highway robbery” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Highway Robbery" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their frustration or disbelief at the high prices or unfair charges for goods or services.
What tone does “Highway robbery” have?
"Highway Robbery" conveys a tone of outrage and disbelief. It is often used to express strong negative emotions towards excessive pricing or unfair charges.
Can “Highway robbery” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Highway Robbery" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of excessive pricing or unfair charges. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The price they're asking for this designer handbag is "highway robbery".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That's "highway robbery"!' to express outrage at a high price.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- extortionate pricing
- overcharging
- exorbitant cost
- unfair pricing
- exploitative pricing
Antonyms
- bargain
- affordable
- reasonable price
- fair deal
- good value
