you don't get something for nothing
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Also seen as: you can't get something for nothing · you don't get owt for nowt
Meaning · English
One cannot expect to receive some benefit if one does not pay for it in some way or does not face a counterbalancing hazard or harm.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
There's half the fight won, first off."
"Osterman bribed him, I suppose," observed Magnus.
Annixter raised a shoulder vexatiously.
"You've got to pay for what you get," he returned. "You don't get something for nothing, I guess."
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “you don't get something for nothing” mean?
One cannot expect to receive some benefit if one does not pay for it in some way or does not face a counterbalancing hazard or harm.
Is “you don't get something for nothing” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.