Daylight RobberyWhy landlords used to brick up their buildings

History of Phrases

From the show

History of Phrases

Historical policies often produce unexpected and dark consequences for daily life. The English Window Tax of 1696 charged property dues based on the number of openings in a home, leading landlords to seal them up to save money. This legislative loophole forced tenants into literal darkness, birthing a common idiom used today for unfair prices.

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