The popular adage: "There's no free lunch" has other variants like "No free lunch," "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch," "There is no such thing as a free lunch," etc. You probably know that it simply communicates the idea that it is impossible to get something for nothing, and that there is always a cost to the person or to society as a whole for things gotten for nothing, although that cost may be a hidden cost or an external effect. The story behind this adage is most amazing!