Rip-off
Definition:
Something that is overpriced or of poor value, resulting in the loss or unfair treatment of the consumer.(Something that is overpriced or of poor value, resulting in the loss or unfair treatment of the consumer.)
Examples:
The tourist attraction charged exorbitant entrance fees, leading many visitors to consider it a rip-off.
The online store advertised a product at a discounted price, but customers discovered it was a rip-off as the quality was poor.
The repair service charged a hefty fee for a simple fix, leaving the customer feeling they were ripped off.
Set aside (for a rainy day)
Definition:
To save or reserve money or resources for future use, especially for unexpected or challenging times.(To save or reserve money or resources for future use, especially for unexpected or challenging times.)
Examples:
She set aside a portion of her income each month for a rainy day, building an emergency fund.
The business owner set aside profits to create a contingency fund for unforeseen expenses or economic downturns.
The government allocated funds to set aside for a rainy day to mitigate the impact of future financial crises.
Shop around
Definition:
To compare prices or quality among different sellers or stores before making a purchase.(To compare prices or quality among different sellers or stores before making a purchase.)
Examples:
Before buying a new car, he decided to shop around and visit different dealerships to find the best deal.
The consumer researched online and read reviews to shop around for the most reliable and cost-effective product.
The homeowner obtained quotes from multiple contractors to shop around for the best price for a home renovation project.
Shortchanged
Definition:
To receive less than what was expected or deserved, especially in terms of payment or compensation.(To receive less than what was expected or deserved, especially in terms of payment or compensation.)
Examples:
The employee felt shortchanged when their annual bonus was significantly lower than anticipated.
The freelancer realized they had been shortchanged when they compared their invoiced hours to the payment received.
The customer complained after being shortchanged by the cashier who gave incorrect change.
Trade down (vs trade up)
Definition:
To exchange a product, property, or lifestyle for one of lower value or quality (trade down) or higher value or quality (trade up).(To exchange a product, property, or lifestyle for one of lower value or quality (trade down) or higher value or quality (trade up).)
Examples:
The family decided to trade down their car to a smaller and more fuel-efficient model to save on costs.
The couple traded up their apartment for a larger and more luxurious one after receiving a promotion.
The consumer traded down their brand loyalty and switched to a cheaper alternative to save money.
Wipe off
Definition:
To eliminate or remove completely, often referring to debts, obligations, or losses.(To eliminate or remove completely, often referring to debts, obligations, or losses.)
Examples:
The unexpected inheritance allowed him to wipe off his outstanding student loans in one payment.
The insurance settlement helped the company wipe off the financial losses incurred due to a natural disaster.
The successful business venture enabled the entrepreneur to wipe off previous failed business debts.
Cook the books
Definition:
To manipulate financial records or accounts to present a false or misleading picture of a company’s financial health.(To manipulate financial records or accounts to present a false or misleading picture of a company’s financial health.)
Examples:
The fraudulent accountant was caught cooking the books to inflate profits and deceive investors.
The company’s top executives were involved in a scandal where they cooked the books to hide losses and maintain stock prices.
The regulatory agency discovered evidence of a company cooking the books to secure loans and deceive auditors.
Funny money
Definition:
Currency or money that is counterfeit, fake, or of questionable authenticity.(Currency or money that is counterfeit, fake, or of questionable authenticity.)
Examples:
The criminal gang was caught with a large stash of funny money, counterfeit bills that they were trying to distribute.
The shop owner discovered that a customer had paid with funny money, a counterfeit $100 bill.
The authorities issued a warning about funny money circulating in the area, urging businesses to be cautious when accepting cash.
Grease someone’s palm
Definition:
To bribe or provide money or favors to someone in a position of power or influence to gain an advantage or obtain favorable treatment.(To bribe or provide money or favors to someone in a position of power or influence to gain an advantage or obtain favorable treatment.)
Examples:
The politician was accused of accepting bribes to grease the palms of government officials and secure lucrative contracts.
The company executive greased the palm of a regulatory authority to expedite the approval process for their project.
The athlete’s agent greased the palms of sports officials to ensure their client’s selection for a national team.
Money laundering
Definition:
The process of making illegally obtained money appear legal or legitimate by disguising its true source or transferring it through a series of complex financial transactions.(The process of making illegally obtained money appear legal or legitimate by disguising its true source or transferring it through a series of complex financial transactions.)
Examples:
The criminal organization used a network of shell companies to launder money from drug trafficking operations.
The investigation revealed a sophisticated money laundering scheme involving offshore accounts and investments.
The bank was fined for failing to implement proper controls to prevent money laundering activities.
Slush fund
Definition:
A sum of money set aside or kept separate from regular funds for discretionary or undisclosed purposes, often used for illicit activities or to gain influence.(A sum of money set aside or kept separate from regular funds for discretionary or undisclosed purposes, often used for illicit activities or to gain influence.)
Examples:
The corrupt politician had a secret slush fund used to finance personal expenses and buy loyalty from supporters.
The company’s CEO maintained a slush fund to facilitate bribes and cover up financial irregularities.
The university president had access to a slush fund that he used for lavish personal expenses and extravagant entertainment.
Stash away
Definition:
To hide or store something, often money or valuable items, in a secure or secret place for future use or safekeeping.(To hide or store something, often money or valuable items, in a secure or secret place for future use or safekeeping.)
Examples:
The elderly couple had stashed away their life savings in a hidden compartment in their house.
The treasure hunter stashed away the rare artifacts they discovered in a secret location to protect them from theft.
The student stashed away money in a piggy bank to save up for a vacation.
Under the table
Definition:
Done secretly or unofficially, often involving payment or financial transactions that are not reported or subject to taxation.(Done secretly or unofficially, often involving payment or financial transactions that are not reported or subject to taxation.)
Examples:
The restaurant paid some of its employees under the table, avoiding payroll taxes and legal requirements.
The contractor offered to do the home renovation under the table, accepting cash payment to avoid reporting the income.
The athlete signed an endorsement deal and received part of the payment under the table, without declaring it for tax purposes.