high
way
ro
bbe
ry
noun
Third Person
highway robberies
1
an act of overcharging
The idiom "highway robbery" originated from the criminal activity of robbing travelers on the highways or roads, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is used to describe a situation where someone is charged an extremely high price for goods or services, especially when the cost is perceived as unfair or excessive.
- Buying a bottle of water at the amusement park felt like a highway robbery; it was several times more expensive than outside.
- The cost of parking at the event was a highway robbery, making attendees frustrated with the steep fees.
- The price of movie theater popcorn is a highway robbery; it costs much more than the actual movie ticket.
- The taxi driver charged a ridiculous fare, feeling like a highway robbery for a short ride.
2
robbery of travellers on or near a public road