Filthy lucre 💩💰

Meaning

Money or profit, especially when gained dishonestly, corruptly, or through immoral means.

Origin

The phrase "filthy lucre" is a direct translation from the King James Bible, appearing notably in Paul's First Epistle to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:3) and Titus (Titus 1:7). In these texts, it describes ill-gotten gain, condemning those who are "greedy of filthy lucre." The word "lucre" itself derives from the Latin lucrum, meaning profit or gain. When combined with "filthy," the phrase creates a potent condemnation of wealth acquired through corrupt, dishonest, or morally reprehensible methods, ensuring its place in the English lexicon as a vivid descriptor for money that taints its holder.

💰 money 🎭🤥 deception ⚖️✅ honesty 👑⚖️ power

Filthy lucre represented with emoji💩💰

This playful pairing of 💩💰 functions as a delightful riddle, not just the literal representation of waste and wealth, but a whimsical commentary on the concept of 'filthy lucre.' It challenges the viewer to consider the sometimes unsavory origins of fortune, underscoring the age-old tension between morality and money in a way that is both cheeky and thought-provoking.

Examples

  • The investigative reporter exposed the massive amounts of filthy lucre accepted by the officials from the lobbying group.
  • He amassed a fortune, but everyone knew it was filthy lucre, earned by exploiting vulnerable workers and shady deals.

Related phrases

A dose of one's own medicine
To experience the same unpleasant or unfair treatment that one has inflicted on others.
A facade
A misleading outward appearance or a superficial show, often intended to conceal a less pleasant or authentic reality.
A formidable opponent
Someone who is very strong, capable, or challenging to defeat in a competition, conflict, or struggle.
A game changer
Something that significantly alters a situation, often leading to a completely different outcome or radically transforming a field.
A gilded cage
A gilded cage describes a situation where someone is provided with many luxuries and comforts but lacks freedom or happiness.