a Faustian bargain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a Faustian bargain" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a deal or agreement in which a person sacrifices their moral integrity or values for personal gain, often with dire consequences. Example: "The CEO made a Faustian bargain when he decided to cut corners on safety regulations to increase profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a Faustian bargain.

The New Yorker

Graham called it a "Faustian bargain".

The New Yorker

A Faustian bargain is associated with pools.

The New York Times - Style

Unfortunately, this may prove a Faustian bargain with dangerous consequences.

The Economist

Wright plays an aging actress who makes a Faustian bargain.

The New Yorker

The offer can be seen as a Faustian bargain, though.

The New York Times

"Every important new technology is a Faustian bargain," he added.

The New York Times

He knew that he would be making a Faustian bargain.

The New Yorker

This is a Faustian bargain that I will not make.

The Washington Post

It can be a bit of a Faustian bargain.

The New York Times

But it was in some ways a Faustian bargain.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "a Faustian bargain" lightly; it's a strong term that suggests a profound moral compromise. Use it when the situation genuinely involves a sacrifice of integrity or values.

Common error

Don't overuse "a Faustian bargain" for simple trade-offs or inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where core values are genuinely at stake and the long-term negative ramifications are significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a Faustian bargain" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It labels a specific kind of agreement: one where someone trades something of immense moral value for a temporal gain. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a Faustian bargain" is a noun phrase that describes a deal where someone sacrifices moral principles for a benefit, often with negative long-term consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its prevalent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academia. Related phrases include "deal with the devil" and "selling one's soul", each carrying similar connotations of moral compromise. When using this phrase, ensure the context genuinely involves a significant sacrifice of values, avoiding its overuse for minor trade-offs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deal with the devil

This phrase is a direct synonym, emphasizing the negative and potentially catastrophic consequences of the agreement.

selling one's soul

Similar to "deal with the devil", this phrase highlights the sacrifice of personal values or integrity.

a morally compromising agreement

Highlights how a decision may contain moral implications.

compromising one's principles

Focuses on the abandonment of moral standards in exchange for something else.

a Pyrrhic victory

This refers to a win that comes at such a great cost that it's essentially a defeat.

a poisoned chalice

Emphasizes that something offered as a benefit contains hidden dangers or negative consequences.

a double-edged sword

Indicates that something has both advantages and disadvantages, but the disadvantages are significant.

a necessary evil

Suggests that something unpleasant or morally wrong is required in order to achieve a desired outcome.

cutting corners ethically

Describes the act of sacrificing moral correctness in order to get the work done faster.

short-sighted choice

This emphasizes the negative long-term consequences of a choice made focusing only on immediate goals.

FAQs

How can I use "a Faustian bargain" in a sentence?

You can use "a Faustian bargain" to describe situations where someone makes a deal that seems beneficial initially but ultimately requires sacrificing their moral principles or values, leading to negative consequences. For example: "The politician's alliance with the corrupt lobbyist was "a Faustian bargain" that destroyed his reputation."

What are some alternatives to "a Faustian bargain"?

Alternatives include "deal with the devil", "selling one's soul", or "compromising one's principles". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of moral compromise involved.

Is it appropriate to use "a Faustian bargain" in formal writing?

Yes, "a Faustian bargain" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing ethical dilemmas, political compromises, or situations involving significant moral trade-offs. Its usage is prevalent in news, academic, and business contexts.

What distinguishes "a Faustian bargain" from a simple compromise?

"A Faustian bargain" implies a severe moral or ethical cost, where fundamental values are sacrificed for a perceived gain. A simple compromise might involve some give-and-take but does not necessarily involve sacrificing one's core principles.