What does “Loan shark” mean?
"A loan shark" means a person who lends money at extremely high interest rates, often using illegal or unethical methods to collect the money back.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He borrowed money from a loan shark and now he's trapped in a cycle of debt.
Example
The loan shark threatened him with violence if he didn't pay back the loan on time.
Example
She fell victim to a loan shark who charged exorbitant interest rates
Is “Loan shark” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Loan shark” 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 “Loan shark” effectively in context?
You can use "Loan Shark" to refer to someone who lends money at exorbitant interest rates and employs aggressive or illegal tactics to collect the debt. For example, if someone mentions borrowing money from an unscrupulous lender, you might say, 'Be careful, you don't want to get involved with a loan shark.'
- 1Financial Troubles
He borrowed money from a loan shark and now he's trapped in a cycle of debt.
- 2Threats and Intimidation
The loan shark threatened him with violence if he didn't pay back the loan on time.
- 3Exploitative Lending Practices
She fell victim to a loan shark who charged exorbitant interest rates.
Similar phrases to “Loan shark”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Loan shark” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Loan Shark" is unclear. It is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century, possibly from the image of a shark preying on its victims. The term 'loan shark' is used to describe someone who lends money at extremely high interest rates, often using illegal or unethical methods to collect the money back.
Is “Loan shark” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Loan Shark" is quite common in everyday conversation, especially when discussing predatory lending practices or warning others about unscrupulous lenders. It is frequently used to describe individuals or organizations that take advantage of vulnerable individuals in need of financial assistance.
What tone does “Loan shark” have?
"Loan Shark" conveys a tone of caution and concern. It is often used to highlight the dangers and negative consequences associated with borrowing money from unregulated or unethical lenders.
Can “Loan shark” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Loan Shark" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It is a well-known idiom that describes a specific type of illegal or exploitative lending practice. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal discussions about financial matters or consumer protection.
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 got involved with a loan shark and now he's in deep trouble.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Watch out for loan sharks!' to warn someone about potential predatory lenders.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- predatory lender
- shady lender
- usurious lender
- unscrupulous lender
- exploitative lender
Antonyms
- legitimate lender
- ethical lender
- responsible lender
- fair lender
- transparent lender
