feed on mistrust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feed on mistrust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or relationship where individuals or groups thrive or gain strength from a lack of trust between them. Example: "In a toxic work environment, some employees may feed on mistrust to manipulate others and gain power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But nationalists fight long wars, and they feed on mistrust and resentment.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Feed on!

WikiHow

He was greeted by large crowds as he touched down in Nairobi before a giving a speech in which he said conflict fed "on fear, mistrust, and the despair born of poverty and frustration".

Independent

Powerlessness breeds mistrust, and a system based on mistrust benefits no one.

TechCrunch

Finance feeds on trust and mistrust, and amplifies whichever is ascendant.

The Economist

The abolition of the CIA could be a conscious step in tearing our government out of the grip of the war consensus -- this unelected force that feeds on perpetual global mistrust and hatred, the exact opposite of what true security requires.

Huffington Post

This will only feed the mistrust.

The New York Times

The study also suggests concern about government spying is helping to feed general mistrust of digital services among Americans.

TechCrunch

They feed on adversity.

The New York Times

Let's feed on that.

The New York Times

They feed on the blood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about political or social issues, use "feed on mistrust" to illustrate how certain narratives or actions can exacerbate existing tensions and divisions within a population. For example, you might say, "The politician's divisive rhetoric seemed to feed on the public's mistrust of the government."

Common error

Avoid using "feed on mistrust" as a blanket statement. Instead, analyze and articulate the specific mechanisms through which mistrust is being exploited or amplified. Overuse can lead to a lack of precision and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feed on mistrust" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something thrives or gains strength from a lack of trust. As indicated by Ludwig, this often describes negative or exploitative relationships, such as political polarization or manipulation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feed on mistrust" effectively conveys how certain entities or phenomena thrive in environments characterized by a lack of trust. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and applicability, particularly in contexts such as political analysis and social commentary. While not overly common, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The Economist and The New York Times. Related phrases include "thrive on distrust" and "capitalize on suspicion", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. When using "feed on mistrust", ensure the context is appropriate and the intended meaning is clear, avoiding overuse to maintain precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thrive on distrust

Replaces "feed" with "thrive", suggesting a more vigorous growth or success based on the distrust.

capitalize on suspicion

Shifts the focus to actively taking advantage of existing suspicion.

exploit lack of trust

Emphasizes the act of using the absence of trust for one's own benefit, often with a negative connotation.

benefit from skepticism

Suggests a gain from a general attitude of doubt or questioning.

gain strength from doubt

Focuses on the empowerment derived from an environment of uncertainty.

flourish in an atmosphere of mistrust

Indicates a broader environment where mistrust is prevalent and supports growth.

prosper through disbelief

Highlights success achieved by overcoming or using a lack of belief.

grow from skepticism

Suggests a slower, more gradual development based on skeptical attitudes.

rely on a climate of distrust

Emphasizes dependence on an environment characterized by a lack of trust.

build on pervasive mistrust

Indicates a deliberate strategy of constructing something upon a widespread lack of trust.

FAQs

How can I use "feed on mistrust" in a sentence?

You can use "feed on mistrust" to describe how certain behaviors or situations thrive because of a lack of trust. For example: "Political polarization can "feed on mistrust" between different groups."

What does it mean when something "feeds on mistrust"?

When something "feeds on mistrust", it means that it grows stronger or more prevalent because of a lack of trust. This can apply to ideas, movements, or even individual behaviors.

Are there synonyms for "feed on mistrust"?

Yes, some synonyms for "feed on mistrust" include "thrive on distrust", "capitalize on suspicion", or "exploit lack of trust". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "feed on mistrust" in formal writing?

Yes, "feed on mistrust" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing political science, sociology, or any field where the dynamics of trust and distrust are relevant. Just ensure the context supports its use.