English Explanatory Dictionary

sure as death and taxes

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Totally certain.
adv
  1. Most certainly.

Pronunciation

/ʃʊɹ æz dɛθ ænd tæksəz/ sho͝or ăz dĕth ănd tăksəz

Word forms

sure as death and taxes sure as death or taxes

Etymology

Primarily a reference to a 1789 quote by Benjamin Franklin: Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. Benjamin Franklin First attested in 1726, but in common usage only as of the 19th century.

Synonyms

sure as eggs is eggs certain as death and taxes certain as death or taxes

Related words

the house always wins

Derived words

death and taxes
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