Ill-gotten, ill-spent.: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Ill-gotten, ill-spent.” mean?

"Ill-gotten, ill-spent" means that any gains obtained through dishonest or immoral means will be spent or used in a similar way.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He thought he could get away with stealing, but ill-gotten, ill-spent. He ended up losing everything he gained.

Example

She cheated her way to the top, but ill-gotten, ill-spent. Her success was short-lived and she faced the consequences.

Example

They acquired their wealth through illegal activities, and ill-gotten, ill-spent. Their extravagant lifestyle was a constant reminder of their immoral actions

Is “Ill-gotten, ill-spent.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Ill-gotten, ill-spent.” 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, ill-spent.” effectively in context?

You can use "Ill-gotten, ill-spent" to convey the idea that any gains obtained through dishonest or immoral means will ultimately be wasted or used in a negative way. It serves as a warning against pursuing wealth or success through unethical actions. For example, if someone brags about their ill-gotten gains, you might respond with 'Remember, ill-gotten, ill-spent.'

• 1. Crime

  He thought he could get away with stealing, but ill-gotten, ill-spent. He ended up losing everything he gained.

• 2. Cheating

  She cheated her way to the top, but ill-gotten, ill-spent. Her success was short-lived and she faced the consequences.

• 3. Illegal Activities

  They acquired their wealth through illegal activities, and ill-gotten, ill-spent. Their extravagant lifestyle was a constant reminder of their immoral actions.

Similar phrases to “Ill-gotten, ill-spent.”:

Easy come, easy go

Used to express that something acquired quickly or easily is often lost or wasted just as quickly

Example

He won the lottery, but easy come, easy go. He spent all the money within a year.

You reap what you sow

Conveys the idea that your actions have consequences and you will experience the results of your choices

Example

He treated others poorly, and now he's facing the consequences. You reap what you sow.

Honesty is the best policy

Emphasizes that being truthful and ethical is the most beneficial approach in the long run

Example

He chose to be honest, and it paid off. Honesty is the best policy.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Ill-gotten, ill-spent.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Ill-gotten, ill-spent" is unknown.

Is “Ill-gotten, ill-spent.” common in everyday conversation?

"Ill-gotten, ill-spent" is not a commonly used proverb in everyday conversation. It may be more frequently encountered in literature or discussions about ethics and morality.

What tone does “Ill-gotten, ill-spent.” have?

"Ill-gotten, ill-spent" conveys a tone of caution and moral judgment. It implies that actions taken to acquire wealth or success through dishonest means will ultimately lead to negative consequences.

Can “Ill-gotten, ill-spent.” be used in informal and formal settings?

"Ill-gotten, ill-spent" is a formal proverb that is more likely to be used in written or formal contexts, such as essays, speeches, or discussions about ethics and morality.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He thought he could get away with stealing, but remember, ill-gotten, ill-spent.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Ill-gotten, ill-spent' to imply disapproval of someone's unethical actions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• unethical gains are wasted
• dishonesty leads to loss
• illegitimate wealth is squandered

Antonyms

• honesty leads to prosperity
• ethical actions bring rewards
• legitimate gains are wisely used