A small flame burns inside a glass jar surrounded by stacks of gold coins in warm amber light.

Original artwork, not a still

Drew

We all know this deal is as certain as death and taxes.

— Meet Joe Black · 1998

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker says everyone knows the arrangement is settled, comparing it to the two proverbial certainties, death and taxes. The comparison presents the outcome as inevitable, something nobody can seriously doubt, and leans on a familiar phrase to close off any argument.

Context reviewed

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