What does “One law for the rich, and another for the poor.” mean?
"One law for the rich, and another for the poor" means that the wealthy and powerful often receive different treatment under the law than those who are less fortunate. It implies that there is a disparity in how justice is applied, and that privilege and status can influence the outcome of legal proceedings.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The CEO of the company got off with a small fine, while the employees were jailed for the same offense. One law for the rich, and another for the poor. This is a clear example of inequality in the justice system.
Example
The politician was acquitted of corruption charges, while ordinary citizens would have faced severe consequences for the same actions. One law for the rich, and another for the poor. This proverb holds true in many cases.
Example
The wealthy celebrity received a lenient sentence for their crime, while a person from a disadvantaged background would have been given a much harsher punishment. One law for the rich, and another for the poor. This inequality in the legal system is deeply troubling
Is “One law for the rich, and another for the poor.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“One law for the rich, and another for the poor.” 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 “One law for the rich, and another for the poor.” effectively in context?
You can use "One law for the rich, and another for the poor." to highlight the unfairness and inequality that exists in society, particularly in the legal system. It emphasizes the idea that people with wealth and power often receive preferential treatment compared to those who are less fortunate. For example, if you're discussing a high-profile case where a wealthy individual received a lenient sentence while a person from a disadvantaged background would have faced harsher consequences, you could say, 'It's a classic case of one law for the rich, and another for the poor.'
- 1Legal System
The CEO of the company got off with a small fine, while the employees were jailed for the same offense. One law for the rich, and another for the poor. This is a clear example of inequality in the justice system.
- 2Corruption
The politician was acquitted of corruption charges, while ordinary citizens would have faced severe consequences for the same actions. One law for the rich, and another for the poor. This proverb holds true in many cases.
- 3Criminal Justice
The wealthy celebrity received a lenient sentence for their crime, while a person from a disadvantaged background would have been given a much harsher punishment. One law for the rich, and another for the poor. This inequality in the legal system is deeply troubling.
Similar phrases to “One law for the rich, and another for the poor.”:
Power corrupts
The belief that having power or authority can lead to unethical behavior and abuse of privilege
Example
The politician's actions demonstrate how power corrupts and leads to injustice.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “One law for the rich, and another for the poor.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "One law for the rich, and another for the poor." is unknown.
Is “One law for the rich, and another for the poor.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "One law for the rich, and another for the poor." is not as commonly used in everyday conversation as some other proverbs or idioms. However, it is still well-known and frequently used in discussions about social justice, inequality, and the legal system.
What tone does “One law for the rich, and another for the poor.” have?
"One law for the rich, and another for the poor." conveys a tone of criticism and frustration. It is often used to express discontent with the unequal treatment of individuals based on their socioeconomic status.
Can “One law for the rich, and another for the poor.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "One law for the rich, and another for the poor." can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a powerful statement that highlights social issues, and can be used in various contexts such as conversations, debates, or even written 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 court's decision clearly shows that there is one law for the rich, and another for the poor.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's unfair! One law for the rich, and another for the poor!' to express frustration.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- injustice
- discrimination
- double standard
- unequal treatment
- socioeconomic disparity
Antonyms
- impartiality
- equal justice
- fair treatment
- justice for all
- equality before the law
