What does “Rotten to the Core” mean?
"Rotten to the Core" means that someone or something is completely corrupt or morally bad.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The politician was rotten to the core, accepting bribes and engaging in illegal activities.
Example
The company's unethical practices showed that it was rotten to the core.
Example
The criminal organization was known for being rotten to the core, engaging in violence and drug trafficking
Is “Rotten to the Core” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Rotten to the Core” 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 “Rotten to the Core” effectively in context?
You can use "Rotten to the Core" to describe someone or something that is completely corrupt or morally bad. It emphasizes the depth and extent of their corruption or immorality. For example, if you want to express your strong disapproval of a dishonest politician, you might say, 'He's not just a little corrupt, he's rotten to the core.'
- 1Politics
The politician was rotten to the core, accepting bribes and engaging in illegal activities.
- 2Business
The company's unethical practices showed that it was rotten to the core.
- 3Criminality
The criminal organization was known for being rotten to the core, engaging in violence and drug trafficking.
Similar phrases to “Rotten to the Core”:
Beyond redemption
Completely unable to be saved or improved
Example
The criminal organization was beyond redemption, engaging in violence and drug trafficking.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Rotten to the Core” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Rotten to the Core" is unknown.
Is “Rotten to the Core” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Rotten to the Core" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to strongly condemn someone or something for their corrupt or immoral behavior.
What tone does “Rotten to the Core” have?
"Rotten to the Core" conveys a tone of strong disapproval and condemnation. It is used to emphasize the extreme level of corruption or immorality.
Can “Rotten to the Core” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Rotten to the Core" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. However, it can also be used in more formal situations to express strong criticism or disapproval.
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 company's practices showed that it was rotten to the core.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They are "rotten to the core"!' to express strong disapproval.
