What does “Ill-gotten gains” mean?
"Ill-gotten gains" means money or possessions that someone has acquired in a dishonest or illegal way.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The corrupt politician was found guilty of amassing ill-gotten gains.
Example
The police seized a large amount of cash believed to be ill-gotten gains from the drug lord's hideout.
Example
The company was fined for using ill-gotten gains to fund their operations
Is “Ill-gotten gains” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Ill-gotten gains” 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 “Ill-gotten gains” effectively in context?
You can use "Ill-gotten gains" to refer to money or possessions that someone has acquired in a dishonest or illegal way. It emphasizes the unethical nature of the acquisition. For example, if you want to describe someone who has become wealthy through illegal activities, you might say, 'He was living a luxurious lifestyle with his ill-gotten gains.'
- 1Crime
The corrupt politician was found guilty of amassing ill-gotten gains.
- 2Law Enforcement
The police seized a large amount of cash believed to be ill-gotten gains from the drug lord's hideout.
- 3Business Ethics
The company was fined for using ill-gotten gains to fund their operations.
Similar phrases to “Ill-gotten gains”:
Blood money
Money earned through immoral or illegal activities, especially causing harm or death to others
Example
The assassin was paid blood money for carrying out the contract.
Tainted wealth
Wealth acquired through dishonest or corrupt practices
Example
The politician was known for his tainted wealth and corrupt dealings.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Ill-gotten gains” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Ill-gotten gains" is unknown.
Is “Ill-gotten gains” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Ill-gotten gains" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation, especially when discussing illegal activities, corruption, or unethical behavior.
What tone does “Ill-gotten gains” have?
"Ill-gotten gains" conveys a tone of disapproval and condemnation. It is often used to criticize individuals or organizations that have acquired wealth or possessions through dishonest means.
Can “Ill-gotten gains” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "ill-gotten gains" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a formal expression that is commonly used in legal, business, and ethical discussions. You can use it in conversations with friends, colleagues, or in professional contexts such as presentations, reports, or articles.
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, 'The businessman was arrested for his ill-gotten gains.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Those are "ill-gotten gains"!' to express disapproval of someone's wealth obtained through illegal means.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- illicit gains
- dishonest profits
- unlawful wealth
- corrupt earnings
- fraudulent acquisitions
Antonyms
- honest earnings
- legitimate wealth
- lawful gains
- ethical profits
- clean acquisitions
