take a bribe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'take a bribe' is correct and usable in written English. It can be used to refer to the act of receiving money, goods, or other benefits in exchange for cooperation, especially when such an agreement is illegal or unethical. For example, "Several public officials have been arrested for taking bribes in exchange for passing legislation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

To receive the top payout of $13,000 can take a bribe of half that amount.

The Economist

Is it corruption for a politician to take a bribe if he doesn't follow through?

The Guardian - Opinion

I said to myself it's harram [forbidden in Islam] to take a bribe.

The Guardian - Sport

I balance it with rotten cops who will take a bribe, who will beat somebody up".

The New York Times - Books

He was "given the ultimatum -- lead or silver," take a bullet or take a bribe, Mr. Jordan said.

The New York Times

"If you are in the government and you don't take a bribe now, people don't look at you as honest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"I haven't taken a bribe or anything".

The New Yorker

Again it took a bribe to get M. out.

The New York Times - Health

Knowing that this will happen, the bribe taker will be deterred from taking a bribe".

The New York Times

In commercial courts a judge often takes a bribe for reaching a speedy conclusion.

The Economist

The officials do not transfer the money without taking a bribe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "take a bribe", ensure that the context clearly indicates the illegal or unethical nature of the transaction. The phrase is most impactful when the consequences of accepting the bribe are also highlighted.

Common error

Avoid using "take a bribe" when someone is merely aware of bribery but not actively participating. Use it specifically when someone receives something of value to influence their actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a bribe" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of receiving something of value in exchange for influence or action. Ludwig's examples show it used both in accusations and denials of corruption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Sport

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a bribe" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe the act of receiving something of value in exchange for unethical or illegal influence. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is frequently found in news articles and discussions about corruption. While there are several alternatives, such as "accept a payoff" or "be corrupted", the phrase "take a bribe" is a straightforward way to convey this meaning. It is important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that the context involves the acceptance of a bribe, and not simply knowledge of bribery, to avoid misinterpretation. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity and common usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accept a payoff

Focuses on the acceptance of money for illicit purposes; implies a pre-arranged agreement.

receive illicit payments

Emphasizes the illegality of the payments; broader than a single bribe.

be suborned

Highlights the act of being induced to commit an unlawful act, often involving perjury or bribery.

be corrupted

Focuses on the broader impact of bribery, emphasizing the loss of integrity.

compromise one's integrity

Emphasizes the ethical violation rather than the specific act of bribery.

be in the pocket of

Suggests being controlled by someone through bribery or other illicit means; more colloquial.

sell out

Implies betrayal of principles for personal gain; less specific to bribery but conveys a similar sense of corruption.

engage in graft

Refers to the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, often involving bribery or corruption.

be open to inducement

Suggests a willingness to be persuaded to act unethically, which can include taking bribes.

yield to temptation

Highlights the moral failing involved in accepting a bribe; emphasizes personal weakness.

FAQs

What does it mean to "take a bribe"?

To "take a bribe" means to accept something of value, such as money or gifts, in exchange for influence or action, especially when that influence or action is illegal or unethical.

What are some synonyms for "take a bribe"?

Alternatives to "take a bribe" include "accept a payoff", "receive illicit payments", or "be corrupted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is "take a bribe" used in a sentence?

You can use "take a bribe" in a sentence like, "The official was accused of conspiracy to "take a bribe" in exchange for awarding the contract."

What's the difference between "take a bribe" and "offer a bribe"?

"Take a bribe" refers to the act of receiving something to be influenced, while "offer a bribe" means providing something of value to influence someone else. They are opposite sides of the same corrupt transaction.