Q: Is highway robbery worse than ordinary robbery? And why do we say “highway robbery” when we are not on a highway, but standing in a supermarket shocked by the price of strawberries?
A: Today, “robbery” (the taking of something by force) is considered worse than “highway robbery” (charging an exorbitant price for something).
If you feel the price of something is “highway robbery,” you usually don’t have to buy it, but you can’t just brush off an armed robber.
The phrase “highway robbery” dates back to the early 17th century when armed “highwaymen” on horseback preyed upon travelers, making it a more intimidating term at that time.
The expression “highway robbery” was first used in the early 17th century to describe skulking surprises and underhand stealth, likening it more to highway robbery than lawful battle.
In the late 18th century, English speakers began using “highway robbery” figuratively to mean blatant and unfair overcharging or swindling, giving rise to the modern usage of the term.
The figurative use of literal expressions is common in English, as seen in phrases like “rock the boat” or “put your best foot forward.”
Finally, an illustration of literal highway robbery by Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827) is provided, capturing the essence of this historical practice.
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