smacks of corruption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smacks of corruption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something has the appearance or implication of being corrupt or unethical. Example: "The sudden change in policy smacks of corruption, raising concerns among the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"To me, this smacks of corruption.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We have all heard of corruption in Illinois, but this list is just a smack in the face to a state that already has very low expectations of State Officials.

Huffington Post

Lack of corruption.

The New Yorker

It smacks more than a little of the old Christian Democrats who, by occupying the centre, dominated Italian politics for more than 40 years until they fell apart in a welter of corruption allegations in the early 1990s.

The Economist

It is tired of corruption.

Independent

He faces accusations of corruption.

The Economist

The Price of Corruption.

Forbes

She is suspected of corruption.

BBC

Allegations of corruption are widespread.

Los Angeles Times

Finally, the issue of corruption.

F1000Research

It smacks of favoritism".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using this phrase. It carries a strong negative connotation, so ensure it's appropriate for the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "smacks of corruption" too frequently, especially if the situation only involves minor ethical lapses. Overuse can dilute the phrase's impact and make your writing seem sensationalized. Instead, opt for more precise and nuanced language to describe the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smacks of corruption" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing an opinion that something gives the impression of corruption. Ludwig confirms the phrase is usable and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smacks of corruption" is used to express a suspicion or implication of corrupt behavior, even without definitive proof. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears primarily in News & Media contexts. While its frequency is rare, it is a potent expression to signal potential unethical conduct. When employing this phrase, consider providing supporting evidence and be mindful of your audience, as it carries significant negative weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implies wrongdoing

Highlights the implication of illegal or unethical actions.

suggests dishonesty

Focuses on the lack of honesty rather than the broader concept of corruption.

reeks of impropriety

Uses stronger imagery to convey a sense of something being inappropriate or unethical.

intimates unethical conduct

Suggests improper behavior without explicitly stating it.

hints at malfeasance

Implies misconduct or wrongdoing, especially by a public official.

carries the stench of scandal

Uses metaphorical language to emphasize the negative impact of the situation.

raises suspicion of bribery

Specifically suggests the possibility of bribery.

bears the hallmarks of graft

Identifies characteristics typically associated with corruption and abuse of power.

exhibits signs of venality

Highlights the characteristic of being open to bribery or corruption.

smells fishy

An informal way to say that something seems suspicious or dishonest.

FAQs

What does "smacks of corruption" mean?

The phrase "smacks of corruption" means that something appears to be corrupt or unethical, even if it isn't definitively proven. It suggests a strong implication of dishonesty or abuse of power.

How can I use "smacks of corruption" in a sentence?

You can use "smacks of corruption" to express your suspicion or belief that a certain action or situation is unethical. For example: "The sudden policy change "smacks of corruption" and raises concerns among the public."

What are some alternatives to "smacks of corruption"?

Alternatives to "smacks of corruption" include "suggests dishonesty", "implies wrongdoing", or "reeks of impropriety" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "smacks of corruption" a formal or informal expression?

"Smacks of corruption" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it's important to consider the audience and situation when using it, as it carries a strong negative connotation.