Highway robbery refers to the act of stealing from travelers on public roads, often involving threats or violence. This crime was particularly common in the 17th and 18th centuries, when bandits would ambush coaches and carriages. The term has its roots in the practice of robbing people on highways, making it a specific type of theft. Today, highway robbery is often used metaphorically to describe any situation where someone is unfairly charged or extorted, such as excessive fees or prices. While the literal act has decreased due to improved law enforcement, the phrase remains in popular use to highlight unfair practices in various contexts.