On the take ✋💰

Meaning

Accepting bribes or engaging in dishonest or illegal activities, especially by someone in a position of authority.

Origin

The phrase "on the take" emerged in the mid-19th century, likely originating in the world of petty crime and gambling. Imagine a crooked casino dealer or a shady bookie discreetly pocketing a portion of the earnings or accepting a gratuity to look the other way. This act of receiving money illicitly, of being "on" a particular "take" or share, became synonymous with corruption. It painted a vivid picture of someone actively participating in dishonest gain, their hand reaching into the pot of ill-gotten gains.

🎭🤥 deception 👑⚖️ power 💰 money ⚖️ legal ☠️ risk

On the take represented with emoji✋💰

This playful arrangement of a hand reaching for money, ✋💰, serves as a charmingly direct visual pun for the phrase 'on the take.' It functions as a whimsical yet clear depiction of corruption, inviting a moment of lighthearted reflection on a decidedly less-than-lighthearted topic.

Examples

  • The inspector was suspected of being on the take, leading to a full investigation.
  • If the mayor is on the take, the whole town will be furious.
  • The potion vendor was rumored to be on the take, making his elixirs suspiciously effective.
  • Even the royal guard, it was whispered, might be on the take, if the price of dragon scales was high enough.

Frequently asked questions

What's the opposite of 'on the take'?

The opposite of being 'on the take' is being honest or principled, as in someone who refuses bribes and acts with integrity. While there isn't one single antonym, phrases like 'clean' or 'upright' convey the contrast to corruption.

Is 'on the take' a recent idiom?

No, the idiom 'on the take' dates back to the mid-19th century. Its origins are thought to be in the world of petty crime and gambling, referring to someone illicitly pocketing a share of earnings.

Can 'on the take' be used for minor dishonesty?

While primarily associated with significant corruption like bribery, 'on the take' can sometimes be used for less severe dishonest acts, especially if they involve illicit gain through a position of trust. The core idea remains receiving money or benefits dishonestly.

Who would be caught 'on the take'?

Anyone in a position of power or authority who is accepting bribes or illicit payments could be described as 'on the take'. This includes politicians, law enforcement officials, or business people who abuse their influence for personal financial gain.

Similar to "on the take"

On the nod
Both phrases suggest corrupt compliance, but 'on the nod' implies a more passive, almost involuntary agreement to some illicit arrangement, like a puppet master pulling strings
In the pocket
Both describe being compromised by money, but 'in the pocket' often paints a picture of someone completely owned by a particular interest, whereas 'on the take' is more about the act of receiving bribes
Feathering one's nest
Both point to illicit financial gain, but 'feathering one's nest' is about accumulating wealth over time through personal enrichment, often while in a position of trust, rather than the direct, specific act of taking bribes

Opposite of "on the take"

Straight arrow
This phrase argues for unwavering integrity, picturing someone who consistently adheres to rules and ethics, making the concept of taking bribes utterly unthinkable
Clean hands
This champions a life free from corruption or wrongdoing, standing in stark contrast to the grubby dealings implied by being 'on the take'
Accountable
This emphasizes transparency and responsibility, asserting that actions, especially those in positions of power, should be open to scrutiny and justified, a direct challenge to the secrecy inherent in being 'on the take'

Related to "on the take"

Sweetener
A 'sweetener' is often the bribe itself, the little extra that greases the wheels for someone who might already be 'on the take'
Under the table
This phrase describes the clandestine method of payment often used when someone is 'on the take', highlighting the secrecy of the transaction
Kickback
A 'kickback' is a form of illicit payment made to someone for facilitating a transaction or appointment, a prime example of what someone 'on the take' would receive
Conflict of interest
This is the ethical minefield where someone 'on the take' operates, a situation where personal gain might compromise professional duty