The expression There Is No Such Thing As A Free Lunch means that nothing truly comes for free and, even when it does seem to, there’s usually a hidden cost. In the 1840s, certain bars and restaurants around America began to attract customers by offering a free lunch to anyone buying a drink. However, these lunches were usually just salty snacks that would make the customer want to drink more to quench his or her thirst. It was soon worked out that you’d end up spending more than you’d originally intended and didn't even benefit from a proper lunch. These tactics still work, and that’s why so many modern pubs and bars offer free bowls of salted crisps and peanuts to drinkers.