Immorality & Abuse: English Vocabulary List

used to suggest that it is difficult to achieve both financial success and maintain a high level of moral or ethical standards at the same time

"Ethics and money conflict."

"He realized he couldn't take the bribe and keep his integrity, for honor and profit lie not in one sack."

used to suggest that some people might take advantage of those who are very kind, gentle, or always willing to please others

"Being too accommodating invites exploitation — make yourself all honey and the flies will devour you."

"Her constant willingness to help was taken advantage of — make yourself all honey and the flies will devour you."

used to warn against taking advantage of a friend's kindness or generosity to the point of overindulgence or exploitation

"Do not be too familiar with a friend — if your friend is honey, do not lick him thoroughly."

"She valued the friendship enough to maintain some distance — if your friend is honey, do not lick him thoroughly."

used to imply that a person who is willing to commit a small act of dishonesty or theft is likely to commit more significant acts

"A person willing to steal small things will steal large ones — he that will steal an egg will steal an ox."

"The manager fired the intern for taking office supplies, knowing he that will steal an egg will steal an ox eventually."

used to imply that corporations may be able to engage in unethical or immoral behavior without facing the same consequences as individuals who engage in similar behavior

"Large organisations cannot be held morally accountable in the same way as people — corporations have neither bodies to be punished nor souls to be damned."

"Critics argued that corporations have neither bodies to be punished nor souls to be damned, so regulations must hold them accountable."

used to suggest that it is easy to find fault or criticize someone, especially someone vulnerable, even if they have done nothing wrong or the fault is minor

"It is easy to find a reason to attack someone — it is easy to find a stick to beat a dog."

"Any criticism could be directed at the proposal — it is easy to find a stick to beat a dog."

used to suggest that people tend to take advantage of those who are generous and willing to help, often without considering their own responsibilities or limitations

"Willing people get given more than their share — all lay loads on a willing horse."

"Because Tom never said no, his colleagues kept assigning him extra tasks, showing how all lay loads on a willing horse."

used to suggest that dishonesty and theft can be useful strategies for achieving success

"Small dishonesty makes life easier — lying a little and stealing a little will get you nicely through the world."

"He had navigated the system with small compromises for years — lying a little and stealing a little will get you nicely through the world."