absolute power corrupts absolutely
/ˈæbsəlˌuːt pˈaʊɚ kɚɹˈʌpts ˌæbsəlˈuːtli/
sentence
used to imply that the more power a person has, the more likely they are to abuse that power and act in their own self-interest, rather than in the interest of others
providence is always on the side of the big battalions
/pɹˈɑːvɪdəns ɪz ˈɔːlweɪz ɑːnðə sˈaɪd ʌvðə bˈɪɡ bɐtˈæliənz/
sentence
used to imply that those with greater power or resources are more likely to succeed, regardless of their individual abilities or the merits of their cause
rich man's joke is always funny
/ɹˈɪtʃ mˈænz dʒˈoʊk ɪz ˈɔːlweɪz fˈʌni/
sentence
used to imply that people with wealth and power are often favored, and their jokes or actions may be seen as more entertaining or valuable, even if they are not particularly funny or appropriate
might is / make right
/mˌaɪt ɪz mˌeɪk ɹˈaɪt/
sentence
used to imply that those who have power and authority can act without constraint or accountability, regardless of the consequences or the impact on others
he who pays the piper, calls the tune
/hiː hˌuː pˈeɪz ðə pˈaɪpɚ kˈɔːlz ðə tˈuːn/
sentence
used to emphasize that the person who provides the money or resources for a project or activity has the right to control how it is carried out and what decisions are made
kings / governments have long arms
/kˈɪŋz ɔːɹ ɡˈʌvɚnmənts hæv lˈɑːŋ ˈɑːɹmz/
sentence
used to suggest that those in power have the resources and connections to reach beyond their immediate surroundings and enforce their authority
the post of honor is the post of danger
/ðə pˈoʊst ʌv ˈɑːnɚɹ ɪz ðə pˈoʊst ʌv dˈeɪndʒɚ/
sentence
used to suggest that positions of high responsibility or leadership often come with great risks or potential for harm
set a beggar on horseback, and he will ride (straight) to the devil
/sˈɛt ɐ bˈɛɡɚɹ ˌɑːn hˈɔːɹsbæk ænd hiː wɪl ɹˈaɪd stɹˈeɪt tə ðə dˈɛvəl/
sentence
used to suggest that someone who was previously poor or powerless may become reckless and make poor choices when suddenly given wealth or authority
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