filthy lucre: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘filthy lucre’ mean?
The idiom "filthy lucre" refers to money that is obtained through dishonest or immoral means. It portrays a negative view towards wealth that is gained in an unethical or questionable manner.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "kill the goose that lays the golden eggs" means to destroy a valuable source of income or opportunity by being greedy or short-sighted.
The idiom "in the money" means to be in a financially successful or prosperous situation.
The idiom "grease someone's palm" means to give or offer someone a bribe or money in order to gain favor, influence or illicitly expedite a desired outcome.
A grease payment is a bribe or illegal payment made to someone in power in order to gain an advantage or get something done, often used in official or bureaucratic situations.
The idiom "get-rich-quick" means attempting to become wealthy rapidly and effortlessly, often through schemes or shortcuts.
The idiom "get one's hands dirty" means to become involved in or participate in a task that is unpleasant or morally questionable. It implies being willing to do the necessary work, regardless of how it may affect one's reputation or conscience.
The idiom "fucked over" is a vulgar way to describe someone being deceived, betrayed, or treated unfairly by others, usually resulting in negative consequences or harm. It implies a sense of being taken advantage of and often carries strong emotions of anger, frustration, or disappointment.
The idiom "free lunch" refers to something that appears to be given at no cost, but actually comes with hidden or future expenses. It highlights the concept that nothing is truly free and often implies that there is a catch or a trade-off involved.
The idiom "do the dirty on" means to betray or deceive someone, often in a sneaky or underhanded way.
Mysterious Origins
Since I specialize in writing about idioms and etymology, I have been tasked with writing an article about the idiom "filthy lucre" to be published on a leading idiom website. Let's dive into the details of this intriguing idiom.
"Filthy lucre" is a commonly used English expression that refers to money obtained through dishonest or immoral means. The metaphorical use of the word "filthy" implies that the money is morally tarnished, impure, or tainted. It suggests that the wealth has been acquired in an unjust or shameful manner.
The term "lucre" itself has an interesting origin and can be traced back to the Bible, specifically the New Testament. In the Epistle to Titus, Chapter 1, verse 11, the phrase "filthy lucre" is mentioned. The word "lucre" in this context directly refers to money or wealth acquired through unjust or dishonorable means.
It's fascinating to see how this idiom has also made its way into literature. One notable example is found in the works of William Shakespeare. In his play "Titus Andronicus," Act 1, Scene 1, Shakespeare uses the phrase "filthy lucre" to highlight the theme of ill-gotten wealth and its consequences.
Now, let's explore two related idioms that share a connection with "filthy lucre": "dirty money" and "filthy rich."
When it comes to "dirty money," the idiom refers to funds that have been earned through illegal or unethical activities. This idiom captures the idea that certain money is tainted or unclean due to its association with criminal actions. While "filthy lucre" focuses on any money acquired through dishonest means, "dirty money" specifically highlights the illegal aspect of its acquisition.
On the other hand, "filthy rich" is an idiom that describes individuals who have amassed great wealth, often without regard to the means used to acquire it. While "filthy lucre" signifies money obtained through dishonorable or immoral methods, "filthy rich" portrays the extreme wealth and opulence these individuals possess, regardless of the sources of their riches.
The idiom "filthy lucre" serves as a testament to the moral implications surrounding wealth acquisition. It vividly portrays money obtained through dishonest or immoral means, with the metaphorical use of the word "filthy" emphasizing its impurity. The connection to the Bible and Shakespeare adds depth to the idiom's history and usage in literature. Meanwhile, the related idioms "dirty money" and "filthy rich" further illustrate the different nuances associated with wealth acquired through illegal or unethical means. These idioms serve as reminders of the moral consequences and societal perception surrounding ill-gotten riches. Language, through idioms like these, provides a powerful tool for expressing complex ideas and reflecting the values of a culture.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom filthy lucre can be used in a sentence:
- He was willing to do anything for filthy lucre, even if it meant compromising his principles.
- The politician was accused of using his position for personal gain and the pursuit of filthy lucre.
- Many people are blinded by the temptation of filthy lucre, leading them to make unethical decisions.
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