chinese wall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Chinese wall" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a rigid barrier that is meant to separate different divisions of a company in order to prevent the sharing of confidential information. For example: "The company introduced a Chinese wall between its engineering and sales departments to ensure that no confidential information was shared between the two."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The case, led by a former New York attorney general, Eliot Spitzer, built a Chinese wall between Wall Street research analysts and investment bankers.

The New York Times

"Chinese wall," right?

The New York Times

From the top they think they have a Chinese wall.

The New York Times

"The Chinese wall doesn't hold for the adviser," he explained.

The New York Times

The "veritable 'Chinese Wall' " that bisected the city for 14 blocks could be eliminated.

The New York Times

"The Chinese Wall between a literary life and biography was crumbling".

Independent

That is one and a half times the length of the Chinese Wall.

The New Yorker

Accompanied by their families, the ex-wives began visiting Chinese wall garrisons, demanding support.

The New Yorker

"I never talk to officials about my business, it's like a Chinese wall.

The Guardian

His sons, Andrew and Mark, were senior executives on this "honest" side of the Chinese wall.

The Guardian - Business

He said, "We are very arm's length -- not Chinese wall, but brick wall".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chinese wall", ensure the context clearly indicates the separation or barrier intended to prevent conflicts of interest or information sharing. Be specific about what is being separated and why.

Common error

Avoid using "chinese wall" loosely to describe any separation; it specifically refers to measures implemented to prevent conflicts of interest or unethical information flow, particularly in financial or legal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chinese wall" functions primarily as a noun, often used attributively to modify another noun (e.g., "chinese wall policy"). It describes a barrier, typically within an organization, that prevents the flow of information. Ludwig AI confirms this usage aligns with established English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chinese wall" is a well-established term denoting a barrier, typically within an organization, to prevent the flow of information and avoid conflicts of interest. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, reflecting its relevance in discussions about ethics and compliance, particularly in finance and law. While the term is generally neutral, its effectiveness depends on proper implementation and enforcement. Alternatives like "information barrier" or "ethical wall" can be used for similar meanings. Remember, using the phrase correctly requires a clear understanding of its specific application in preventing unethical information flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflict of interest safeguard

Directly addresses the purpose of a "chinese wall".

confidentiality barrier

Focuses on maintaining confidentiality through separation.

information barrier

Focuses on preventing information flow, a key aspect of a "chinese wall".

strict division

Emphasizes the rigid separation intended by a "chinese wall".

ethical wall

Highlights the ethical considerations behind preventing conflicts of interest.

ring-fencing

Describes isolating a part of a business to protect it from risks.

firewall

Similar to a security measure that prevents unauthorized access or information flow.

insulation mechanism

Highlights the protective function of separating entities or information.

separation of duties

Emphasizes the structural division intended to prevent conflicts.

internal control

Broader term for mechanisms ensuring integrity and compliance.

FAQs

What does "chinese wall" mean in a business context?

In business, a "chinese wall" refers to an information barrier implemented within an organization to prevent the exchange of confidential or sensitive information between departments, especially to avoid conflicts of interest. It ensures that one department's knowledge doesn't unfairly influence another's decisions.

How effective is a "chinese wall"?

The effectiveness of a "chinese wall" depends on its design and enforcement. A poorly designed or weakly enforced "chinese wall" may be easily breached, rendering it ineffective. Regular audits and strict adherence to protocols are essential for its success.

What are some alternatives to the term "chinese wall"?

Alternatives include "information barrier", "ethical wall", or "conflict of interest safeguard", depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Why is it called a "chinese wall"?

The term "chinese wall" is a metaphor referencing the Great Wall of China, symbolizing a strong and impenetrable barrier. It suggests that the division is designed to be robust and prevent any unauthorized access or exchange, although this analogy has faced criticism for potentially insensitive cultural appropriation.