Why 'death and taxes'? Would like to know the origin of the phrase.

[Priya Raghavan]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #291 "English Slang Idioms (13)", question 8

"How do you know the merger will make us money?" the CEO asked the presenter. The presenter said "I don't know for sure. Nothing is certain but death and ......... but the idea makes sense."

(a) taxes
(b) burial
(c) birth
(d) destruction

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #291 "English Slang Idioms (13)", answer 8

"How do you know the merger will make us money?" the CEO asked the presenter. The presenter said "I don't know for sure. Nothing is certain but death and taxes but the idea makes sense."

Correct answer: (a) taxes
_________________________

Why 'death and taxes'? Would like to know the origin of the phrase.

Priya Raghavan

[Benjamin]

apparently first said by Benjamin Franklin, USA President

look here for more information:
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/death-and-taxes.html

[Yankee]

[Lotinmaxceau]

Good morning,
My Name is Max-ceau, English isn't my native language but my favorite . I have lots of difficulties with slang idioms, Is it really important to know them if I want to speak good english? for example I can't see any relation between death and taxes in this exercice. For me it doesn't make sense, Would you like to help me please?