as bent as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as bent as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to describe someone who is perceived as being morally corrupt or deviant. Example: "He was as bent as they come, always looking for ways to cheat the system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And Nathan Ramos as Andre makes an eerie confidant, just as bent as Frank by his time overseas.

The New York Times

For a man his age, he is blessed with a sharp mind, but he boasts a body as bent as the young branch of a eucalyptus tree.

The New Yorker

That peril takes the shape of a teenager as bent as a kinked pipe cleaner and wearing a smile so disarming it could slay an army of thousands.

The New York Times

Ronnie's father — my own revered grandfather, Frank, ex-mayor of Poole, freemason, teetotaller, preacher, icon of our family probity, no less — was, according to Olive, as bent as Ronnie.

The New Yorker

So the ante-rooms of bureaucrats and politicians fill up with supplicants who cannot get satisfaction from the state any other way.The politics of corruptionMany of the politicians are as bent as the systems they should be straightening out.

The Economist

Ronnie's father my own revered grandfather, Frank, ex-mayor of Poole, freemason, teetotaller, preacher, icon of our family probity, no less was, according to Olive, as bent as Ronnie.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

One C is perfectly carved, the line shaped and bent as carefully as an engraving.

The New York Times

But I guess some people bend more than others, and certainly, with your background, you wouldn't have bent as much as some of the people who were head of the Fed did, you know, I'm sure.

Forbes

Murray claims Democrats have bent as far as they can when it comes to concessions, while Miller notes the GOP has little real leverage.

Vice

Keep the knees bent as much as you can.

WikiHow

Always keep your knees bent as much as possible.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as bent as" sparingly, as it's informal. Reserve it for situations where a more direct, formal description would be too harsh or clinical. For example, in describing a fictional character's moral ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "as bent as" in formal writing or professional contexts where a neutral or objective tone is required. It carries a strong negative connotation and implies a subjective judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as bent as" functions as a simile, comparing someone or something to a state of being physically misshapen or, more commonly, morally corrupt. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is often found in news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as bent as" is an informal simile used to describe someone or something considered morally corrupt or physically misshapen. Ludwig AI's analysis shows that this phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media. Because of its informal nature and negative connotation, it's best to avoid using "as bent as" in formal writing. Alternatives like "as crooked as" or "utterly corrupt" may be more appropriate depending on the context. While grammatically correct, consider the audience and purpose before using "as bent as" to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as crooked as

Changes the adjective to a synonym emphasizing dishonesty or illegality.

as devious as

Focuses on the scheming and underhanded nature of someone.

utterly corrupt

Replaces the simile with a direct adjective, intensifying the negativity.

thoroughly dishonest

Emphasizes the lack of honesty in a more verbose way.

morally bankrupt

Shifts the focus to the moral state, implying a complete lack of ethics.

highly unethical

Uses a direct adjective to describe the lack of ethical standards.

ethically compromised

A more formal way of saying someone's ethics are questionable.

devoid of integrity

Highlights the absence of integrity, making it a stark statement.

warped and twisted

Employs a more figurative description of moral or psychological corruption.

not to be trusted

Highlights the unreliability and potential danger associated with the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "as bent as" in a sentence?

You can use "as bent as" to describe someone or something that is corrupt, dishonest, or morally questionable. For example: "The politician was "as bent as" they come, always looking for an angle."

What's a similar expression to "as bent as"?

Alternatives to "as bent as" include "as crooked as", "utterly corrupt", or "thoroughly dishonest". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as bent as" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "as bent as" is considered informal and is best suited for casual conversation or less formal writing. In formal contexts, opt for more neutral language such as "corrupt" or "dishonest".

What does it mean when someone is described as "as bent as"?

Describing someone "as bent as" implies they are morally compromised, untrustworthy, and likely to engage in unethical or illegal behavior.