"Like death and taxes" is an idiomatic expression used to highlight the inevitability or certainty of something happening. It signifies something that is certain, fixed, or invariable, similar to the unchanging nature of death and the obligation to pay taxes. This phrase usually implies a negative or unwanted situation, emphasizing that certain events or outcomes are unavoidable.
The comparison to death signifies the ultimate event in every person's life, a universal phenomenon that no one can escape. Death is a fundamental truth and an absolute certainty that applies to every living being. Taxes, on the other hand, represent the legal obligation to pay a portion of one's income or property to support the government's functioning.
When used in a sentence, such as "Taxes are like death and taxes," the phrase implies that taxes, just like death, are inescapable and must be accepted, irrespective of personal preferences. It illustrates the notion that no matter how unpleasant or burdensome, taxes are an unavoidable duty of every citizen. Similarly, it can also be used to refer to any situation or outcome that is unavoidable or bound to occur regardless of one's wishes or efforts.
Overall, the phrase "like death and taxes" serves as a powerful metaphor to describe the inevitability and predictability of certain events or circumstances, emphasizing their unavoidable nature in comparison to universally recognized realities.
