ESL Podcast 844 - Dealing With Corrupt Officials
to arrest - for the police to take someone to a police station because they think he or she has done something that breaks a law
Did you hear that Veronica was arrested for drunk driving?
on the up-and-up - completely honest, sincere, and straightforward; not sneaky and without hiding anything
Damian is always on the up-and-up and never lies about anything.
to be accused of - for other people to say that one has done something wrong or illegal, possibly without proof
When Victor started doing better on tests, he was accused of cheating.
influence peddling - using one's personal and professional connections to get government officials or other important decision-makers to make decisions that benefit oneself, especially financially
How could he have gotten the government contract if it weren't for influence peddling?
bribe - money paid to someone illegally or unfairly to make something happen that will benefit oneself
The police officer was going to give her a ticket for speeding, but she offered him a bribe and he changed his mind.
kickback - money that is paid to someone secretly in return for the help received to sell something or to get a contract or opportunity
The mayor almost lost his job for accepting kickbacks on the bridge construction project.
to grease (someone's) palms - to give someone a bribe; to give money to someone illegally so that he or she will help one receive a benefit
The journalists reported that prisoners have been greasing the guards' palms for years.
corrupt - dishonest; not ethical or fair
The poor people in this community should be receiving hundreds of dollars in aid, but corrupt officials are taking the money for themselves.
nepotism - favoritism for one's relatives, especially giving jobs to family members when other people are more qualified or more deserving
When Gregory's son became vice-president of the family business with only a few months of experience, it was a clear example of nepotism.
cronyism - favoritism for one's friends, especially giving jobs to friends when other people are more qualified or more deserving
After years of cronyism, almost all the employees were Jill's friends from college, but most of them were not qualified for their job.
plum job - a job that is very desirable, enjoyable, and well-paying
How did she get such a plum job right after she graduated? Most people have to work for years before they get an opportunity like that.
good old boy network - a group of men who have strong personal and professional relationships with each other and give each other opportunities that are not available to other people, particularly women or minorities
Whenever John's business faces a problem, he turns to his good old boy network for advice and assistance.
jail - prison; a place where people are kept as punishment after they are found guilty of a having broken the law
Is it fair for a young man to spend 25 years in jail for something he did while he was still a teenager?
on second thought - a phrase used when one wants to change or clarify the opinion that one has just stated
Sure, my husband can help you move the piano. On second thought, he hurt his back last week and might not be much help until he's better.
on the take - receiving bribes; taking payments in exchange for helping something else; benefitting financially from doing something that is unethical or dishonest
What percentage of contractors are on the take?
to have a fighting chance - to have a possibility of winning; for something to be possible, but difficult
Harvey doesn't have a fighting chance of getting on a professional team, but he is determined to play football anyway.