flypaper theory

noun

The idea that the burdens of taxation "stick" to those taxed directly instead of spreading through the economy.

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Meanings

nounflypaper theory (uncountable)
  1. uncountableeconomicsThe idea that the burdens of taxation "stick" to those taxed directly instead of spreading through the economy.
  2. uncountablegovernmentThe idea that it is desirable to lure one's enemies into a single country or area where they can be more effectively dealt with.
Cite this entry
APA

flypaper theory. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/flypaper%20theory

MLA

“flypaper theory.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/flypaper%20theory. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “flypaper theory,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/flypaper%20theory.

Source: flypaper theory on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.