Injustice: English Vocabulary List

used to emphasize the idea that life is not always fair, and that people may not always receive the recognition or reward that they deserve

"Merit and reward rarely coincide — desert and reward seldom keep company."

"The hardest workers were not the ones who were promoted — desert and reward seldom keep company."

used to emphasize the unevenness or randomness of fortune, where valuable opportunities or possessions may be bestowed upon those who are unable to fully enjoy or utilize them

"Good things come too late for some — the gods send nuts to those who have no teeth."

"He received the recognition only after he had retired — the gods send nuts to those who have no teeth."

used to suggest that laws are often more effective at punishing small offenses and less influential individuals, while powerful or influential individuals may escape punishment

"The law catches small offenders but not powerful ones — laws catch flies but let hornets go free."

"Minor violations were prosecuted while major corporate fraud went unpunished — laws catch flies, but let hornets go free."

used to suggest that the legal system is often biased in favor of the wealthy and influential, allowing them to receive special treatment or avoid punishment

"The wealthy face different justice — one law for the rich and another for the poor."

"The sentence revealed a deep inequality — one law for the rich and another for the poor."

used to imply that in certain situations, equality is not applied consistently or fairly, and that certain individuals or groups may receive better treatment or privileges than others

"Some people are treated as more equal than others — some are more equal than others."

"Though the law promised equality, some are more equal than others when it comes to real power."

used to imply that conflicts between powerful entities can have serious consequences for those who are caught in the middle or who are weaker and more vulnerable

"When powerful forces clash, ordinary people suffer — when elephants fight, the grass gets trampled."

"The trade war between the two superpowers devastated smaller economies — when elephants fight, the grass gets trampled."

used to imply that the best things in life are often obtained at the expense of others

"A meal is best when someone else pays — the wholesomest meat is at another man's cost."

"The business lunch felt particularly enjoyable — the wholesomest meat is at another man's cost."

used to stress the importance of timely delivery of justice, as any delay can render it ineffective and meaningless

"Delaying justice means denying it — justice delayed is justice denied."

"The case dragged on for seven years — justice delayed is justice denied."

used to imply that those who commit minor offenses are punished harshly, while those who commit more serious crimes or who have more power and influence often escape punishment

"Small criminals are punished while big ones escape — little thieves are hanged but great ones escape."

"The street-level offenders were imprisoned while executives walked free — little thieves are hanged, but great ones escape."

used to describe a challenging task or problem that requires careful thought and attention to detail

"It is a hard task."

"Winning this competition against such strong opponents felt impossible; it was all Lombard Street to a China orange."

used to imply that people who behave immorally or wickedly may be rewarded or protected while those who behave honestly may face difficulties or adversity

"The devil helps his own."

"It seems the devil looks after his own, as the wicked often prosper while the righteous struggle."

used to suggest that one side has an overwhelming advantage or that the competition is unfairly skewed in favor of one party

"It's Lombard street to China orange."

"Given their overwhelming advantage in resources, it is all Lombard Street to a China orange in this competition."