Injustice: English Vocabulary List

to be able to do something wrong or illegal without receiving punishment or facing any consequences

"He gets away with it."

"It seems like the corrupt politician can get away with murder because of his powerful connections."

to try to unfairly move past a group of people lining up somewhere before one's turn arrives

"Don't jump the line."

"He was so impatient that he tried to jump the line at the busy ticket counter."

a situation where someone's personal stake or potential gain from a decision may hinder their ability to make an unbiased or fair choice

"The judge recused himself due to a conflict of interest."

"The judge removed himself from the case because he had a clear conflict of interest."

a treatment that is not fair or equal

"The workers feel they got a raw deal from management."

"The workers feel they got a raw deal from management and threaten to go on strike."

to unfairly assume that a person or thing is as same as someone or something that they are associated with

"Don't tar us all."

"You shouldn't tar all the employees with the same brush just because one person made a mistake."

a comment or statement that is cruel or unfair

"His comment was a cheap shot."

"His comment was a cheap shot and he insulted her when she could not defend herself."

to express a strong objection to something that is perceived as unfair or unjust

"They cried foul after losing."

"The players cried foul when the referee made a decision that clearly favored the opposing team."

an unofficial court that does not follow the rules and usually punishes people without giving them a fair trial

"The prisoners held a kangaroo court."

"The prisoners held a kangaroo court and sentenced their fellow inmate without any real evidence."

to receive special treatment or permission to avoid obligations, restrictions, or consequences

"Rich people often get a free pass."

"The famous actor got a free pass from the traffic police because of his celebrity status."

in a way that unfairly takes advantage of a person's weaknesses

"His insult was below the belt."

"Bringing up his past failures during the debate was below the belt and completely unfair."

a person or group who has unchecked power to make decisions, impose punishments, and carry out those punishments without due process or oversight

"He acted as judge, jury, and executioner."

"The corrupt sheriff acted as judge jury and executioner without any legal authority."

an unfavorable or disadvantageous position or outcome that one receives in a particular situation

"I always get the short end of the stick."

"The hardworking employees got the short end of the stick when the manager gave bonuses only to himself."

to unfairly try to do something when it is someone else's turn to do so

"He will jump the line."

"His aggressive tactics allowed him to jump the line and secure the promotion before his more deserving colleagues."