Corruption: English Vocabulary List

used to emphasize the negative impacts of wealth on an individual's character and values, as it can lead to greed, selfishness, and a loss of moral values

"Money corrupts those who make it — money often unmakes the men who make it."

"His wealth had cost him his values and his relationships — money often unmakes the men who make it."

used to suggest that excessive focus on religious institutions or practices can lead to a loss of true spiritual connection or faith

"Those closest to power are often furthest from goodness — the nearer the church, the farther from God."

"The priest lived modestly while his wealthy parishioners seemed spiritually empty, illustrating how the nearer the church, the farther from God."

used to imply that financial distress or poverty can lead to desperation and immoral behavior

"Poverty invites bad behaviour — the devil dances in empty pockets."

"Desperation had driven him to act against his own values — the devil dances in empty pockets."

used to suggest that financial success and wealth often come with a price, and that one may need to engage in unpleasant or unethical activities to achieve it

"Dirty work and money often go together — muck and money often go together."

"The most profitable contract was the most ethically questionable — muck and money often go together."

used to emphasize that any wealth or success obtained through dishonest or unethical means is unlikely to last or bring true happiness

"Dishonestly gained money never brings lasting benefit — ill-gotten gains shall never prosper."

"The fraud had produced enormous short-term gains that ultimately destroyed everything — ill-gotten gains shall never prosper."

used to imply that there is often money to be made in unpleasant or undesirable tasks or situations

"Where there is dirt, there is profit — where there is muck there is brass."

"The unglamorous sector proved far more lucrative than the prestigious one — where there is muck there is brass."

used to imply that bribery can allow someone to bypass rules, regulations, and laws that are meant to ensure fairness and accountability

"A bribe can get through any barrier — a bribe will enter without knocking."

"The contract was awarded without tender — a bribe will enter without knocking."

used to imply that wealth and success can sometimes mask a person's immoral or criminal behavior, making them appear respectable or honorable

"Stolen wealth makes a thief look respectable — a thief passes for a gentleman when stealing has made him rich."

"His fortune was built on fraud but his reputation was impeccable — a thief passes for a gentleman when stealing has made him rich."

used to imply that people can be influenced by money or incentives, and may compromise their ethics or integrity if the price is high enough

"Money can buy anyone."

"The politician's sudden change of stance suggested that everyone has their price, and it had clearly been met."

used to suggest that money or other gains obtained through dishonest or unethical means are likely to be wasted or used inappropriately

"Dishonestly gained things are dishonestly spent — ill-gotten, ill-spent."

"The fraudster squandered his stolen fortune on gambling and luxury, a perfect example of how ill-gotten gains are ill-spent."