on the take

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the take" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is receiving bribes or kickbacks in return for favors. For example: "The politician was suspected of being on the take, taking money from wealthy donors in return for favorable legislation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Or maybe they're on the take.

The New York Times - Magazine

Everyone is on the take.

The Guardian

—Not everyone was on the take.

The Guardian - Books

Second, they're all on the take.

The Guardian - Opinion

Everyone seemed to be in on the take, Hu said.

The New Yorker

"Everybody in Quito knows the Navy is on the take".

The New Yorker

It's not just bureaucrats who are on the take.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They're under the impression that everybody's on the take".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

That's difficult to say because it depends on the take-up.

Independent

Give them the highlights and stay focused on the take-home message.

University of California, Berkeley

Of particular interest is the dependence of the time for the onset of detectable crystallization on the take-up speed.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about institutional corruption, using "on the take" can add a layer of critical analysis and expose unethical practices.

Common error

Avoid using "on the take" for minor ethical lapses. This phrase implies serious corruption, not just small errors in judgment. Reserve it for situations involving bribery and significant abuse of power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the take" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone who is corrupt and receiving bribes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, evidenced by numerous examples in various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Forbes

4%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the take" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe individuals who are corrupt and accepting bribes, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to accuse or imply corruption. While its register is neutral, it's best reserved for situations involving significant abuse of power rather than minor ethical lapses. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "corrupt" or "receiving bribes" might be preferable. The prevalence of this phrase in authoritative sources underscores its importance in discussions of corruption and unethical conduct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking kickbacks

Focuses on the action of receiving illegal payments.

open to bribery

More explicit about the potential for bribery.

bribable

Indicates susceptibility to bribery.

in the pay of

Highlights the ongoing nature of the corrupt relationship.

corruptible

Single word meaning almost the same thing.

bought and paid for

Suggests complete control due to corruption.

in someone's pocket

Suggests control by another through illicit means.

under the table

Emphasizes the secrecy and illegality of the transactions.

compromised

Implies a loss of integrity due to unethical dealings.

dishonest

General term for lack of integrity.

FAQs

How can I use "on the take" in a sentence?

"On the take" is typically used to describe someone who is receiving bribes or kickbacks. For instance, "The politician was suspected of being "on the take", accepting money in exchange for favors."

What is a synonym for "on the take"?

Alternatives to "on the take" include "corruptible", "bribable", or "in someone's pocket". These all imply a similar state of corruption or being susceptible to bribery.

Is it appropriate to use "on the take" in formal writing?

While "on the take" is widely understood, it can be considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more neutral terms like "corrupt" or "receiving bribes".

What's the difference between "on the take" and "dishonest"?

"Dishonest" is a general term for lacking integrity, while "on the take" specifically implies receiving bribes or improper payments. Someone "dishonest" might lie, but someone "on the take" is actively profiting from corruption.