What does “Ambulance chaser” mean?
"Ambulance chaser" means a lawyer who aggressively seeks out personal injury cases to represent in order to make money.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's known as an ambulance chaser because he's always looking for potential clients at accident scenes.
Example
The law firm has a reputation for hiring ambulance chasers who will do anything to win a case.
Example
She's been labeled an ambulance chaser because she only takes on personal injury cases with high settlement potential
Is “Ambulance chaser” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Ambulance chaser” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Ambulance chaser” effectively in context?
You can use "Ambulance Chaser" to describe a lawyer who aggressively seeks out personal injury cases to represent, often with the primary goal of making money. It carries a negative connotation and implies that the lawyer is more interested in financial gain than in providing genuine legal assistance. For example, if someone is known for soliciting accident victims at hospitals, you might say, 'He's always been an ambulance chaser, looking for potential clients at their most vulnerable moments.'
- 1Legal Profession
The law firm has a reputation for hiring ambulance chasers who will do anything to win a case.
- 2Personal Injury Cases
She's been labeled an ambulance chaser because she only takes on personal injury cases with high settlement potential.
- 3Ethical Concerns
His aggressive tactics in pursuing clients have earned him the reputation of being an ambulance chaser.
Similar phrases to “Ambulance chaser”:
Bottom-feeder
Someone who takes advantage of others' misfortune for personal gain
Example
The company was accused of being bottom-feeders, preying on vulnerable customers.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Ambulance chaser” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Ambulance Chaser" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. It likely comes from the image of lawyers literally chasing after ambulances to find potential clients who have been involved in accidents or personal injury cases.
Is “Ambulance chaser” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Ambulance Chaser" is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is well-known within the legal community. It is often used in a derogatory manner to criticize lawyers who prioritize financial gain over ethical considerations.
What tone does “Ambulance chaser” have?
"Ambulance Chaser" conveys a negative and judgmental tone. It is typically used to criticize lawyers who engage in unethical or opportunistic behavior in their pursuit of personal injury cases.
Can “Ambulance chaser” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Ambulance Chaser" is informal and is primarily used in casual conversations or discussions about the legal profession. It is not commonly used in formal settings such as professional correspondence or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's known as an ambulance chaser because he's always looking for potential clients at accident scenes.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't be such an ambulance chaser!' to criticize someone's opportunistic behavior.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- opportunistic lawyer
- predatory attorney
- unscrupulous legal practitioner
- shark lawyer
- greed-driven advocate
Antonyms
- ethical lawyer
- principled attorney
- honest legal practitioner
- upstanding advocate
- moral counsel