FILTHY LUCRE Meaning and
Definition
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Filthy lucre is a colloquial term referring to money or wealth that is acquired through dishonest or morally reprehensible means. The term "filthy" here denotes the unclean, impure, and tainted nature of the money, while "lucre" signifies wealth, usually with a negative connotation.
The phrase has biblical origins, specifically from the New Testament of the Christian Bible. In the Book of Titus, the term "filthy lucre" is used to criticize those who pursue wealth through deceptive or unethical practices. It highlights the idea that money earned dishonestly or at the expense of others carries a moral stain and is unworthy of praise or value.
"Filthy lucre" extends beyond mere financial gain to encompass any form of ill-gotten prosperity, including material possessions or any acquired benefits that are obtained through unethical means. It implies that the acquisition of such wealth comes at the cost of personal integrity, ethical conduct, or the exploitation of others.
The term is often used in a pejorative sense to condemn individuals or institutions that prioritize monetary gain over principles of honesty, fairness, and integrity. It serves as a warning against the temptation to pursue unscrupulous financial gain and reminds individuals of the consequences associated with such behavior.
Overall, "filthy lucre" is a phrase that denotes the corrupting influence and immoral origins of wealth acquired through dishonest means, emphasizing the importance of integrity, ethics, and righteousness in one's pursuit of financial prosperity.
Common Misspellings for FILTHY LUCRE
- dilthy lucre
- cilthy lucre
- vilthy lucre
- gilthy lucre
- tilthy lucre
- rilthy lucre
- fulthy lucre
- fjlthy lucre
- fklthy lucre
- folthy lucre
- f9lthy lucre
- f8lthy lucre
- fikthy lucre
- fipthy lucre
- fiothy lucre
- filrhy lucre
- filfhy lucre
- filghy lucre
- filyhy lucre
- fil6hy lucre
Etymology of FILTHY LUCRE
The term "filthy lucre" is derived from English biblical literature.
The word "filthy" originally comes from Middle English "fulte" or "fulthe", which meant morally or physically unclean. It traces its roots back to Old English "fulþe", meaning foul or dirty.
On the other hand, "lucre" originates from the Latin word "lucrum", which simply means "profit" or "gain".
The combination "filthy lucre" first appeared in English translations of the Bible, specifically in the New Testament. It is found in the King James Version (1611) and is used in reference to ill-gotten or dishonest wealth. The phrase gained popularity and has since become a fixed expression to describe money obtained through controversial or immoral means.
Idioms with the word FILTHY LUCRE
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filthy lucre
"Filthy lucre" is a term used to describe money or wealth that is acquired through dishonest or immoral means. It implies that the money is tainted or tainted in some way and is often associated with greed or corruption.
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