Nothing is certain but death and taxes

Definitions

• express inevitability
  Acknowledge that there are certain things in life that are guaranteed to happen or exist, regardless of circumstances or efforts to avoid them

• emphasize the universality of a statement
  Emphasize that a particular statement or truth applies to everyone, regardless of individual differences or situations

Examples of Nothing is certain but death and taxes

• The CEO made a bold statement that the company's profits would continue to soar indefinitely, but as the saying goes, "Nothing is certain but death and taxes." In reality, the company's financial situation could change dramatically at any moment, as unexpected events and economic shifts can have a significant impact on profitability.

  This usage of the idiom emphasizes the unpredictable nature of business and finance, and how external factors can disrupt even the most well-laid plans. It encourages a degree of caution and humility when making predictions about the future, as no one can truly predict with certainty what will happen in the long term.

• Despite the cancer diagnosis, Sarah decided to approach her treatment with a positive attitude and a determination to fight. Unfortunately, "Nothing is certain but death and taxes" is true in this case as well; while Sarah can do everything in her power to extend her life, ultimately the disease will take its course.

  This usage of the idiom highlights the inevitability of death, and how even in the face of determination and hope, there are sometimes unavoidable realities that must be confronted. It encourages a focus on living life to the fullest and making the most of the time that we have, rather than fixating on the ultimate outcome.

• As soon as the politician entered the room, his opponents knew that they were in for a difficult battle. They knew that "Nothing is certain but death and taxes" also applied to politics, as even the most popular and respected figures can be brought down by scandals, controversies, and other unexpected events.

  This usage of the idiom emphasizes the unpredictable and chaotic nature of politics, and how a single mistake or misstep can have significant consequences. It encourages a degree of caution and adaptability in political endeavors, as no one can truly predict the outcome of any given situation.

• Despite the countless hours and resources that had been poured into the project, the team knew that "Nothing is certain but death and taxes" would also apply to their work. They couldn't predict with certainty whether the project would be successful or not, as there were simply too many variables at play.

  This usage of the idiom highlights the unpredictable nature of projects and initiatives, and how a multitude of factors can impact the outcome. It encourages a degree of flexibility and open-mindedness when approaching these endeavors, as no one can truly predict the final result.

• Despite his best efforts to avoid it, John's wealth and status could not shield him from the inevitable reality that nothing in this world is immune to the certainties of death and taxes.

  This usage highlights the fact that, no matter how wealthy or powerful a person is, there are certain inescapable facts of life that everyone must face eventually, such as their own mortality and the fact that they will be required to pay taxes on their income and assets.

• After years of running from his debts and evading the law, the infamous fugitive finally realized that he could no longer escape the universal truth that nothing can be entirely certain except for death and taxes.

  This example demonstrates how the idiom is also used to emphasize the truth that, no matter how hard someone tries to avoid it, there are certain realities of life and legal obligations that will eventually catch up with them, such as paying their debts or facing legal consequences for their actions.

• As a seasoned financial advisor, Sarah knew all too well that nothing in the complicated world of money management is entirely certain except for the predictable inevitability of death and taxes.

  This usage points out the fact that, in the realm of finances and investments, there are many unpredictable variables and risks that can make it difficult to determine the future outcome of any given decision, but the certain and unavoidable costs of death and taxes are constants that must always be factored into any financial plan or calculation.

• In the competitive and cutthroat world of business, CEO Julie learned the hard way that nothing is ever truly guaranteed except for the fundamental certainties of death and taxes.

  This example underscores how the use of the idiom can convey the notion that, in the high-stakes and volatile realm of corporate leadership and decision-making, there are many potential outcomes and unknowable variables that can make it challenging to predict the future, but the unavoidable realities of death and taxes remain a constant and unavoidable factor that must always be considered.

Conclusion

The idiom "nothing is certain but death and taxes" is often used to express the inevitability of certain things in life. It can also be used to emphasize the universality of a statement. The phrase serves as a reminder that some things are unavoidable and apply to everyone.

Origin of "Nothing is certain but death and taxes"

The origin of the idiom "nothing is certain but death and taxes" can be traced back to a letter written by Benjamin Franklin in 1789. In the letter, Franklin wrote, "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." The phrase has since been used to express the idea that these two things are inevitable and unavoidable in life, regardless of individual circumstances or efforts to avoid them. The idiom has become a common way to acknowledge the unavoidable nature of certain aspects of life.