corrupt

absolute power corrupts absolutely

proverb One who holds unchecked power or authority is likely to become corrupt or abuse one's position. This phrase is usually attributed to 19th-century historian Lord Acton. He really started abusing the authority of his office when he was promoted to CEO. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
See also: absolute, absolutely, corrupt, power

power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely

The more powerful one is, the more unscrupulous one becomes. A: "I never should have appointed him head of the committee." B: "You need to call him in for a meeting before he thinks that he can do whatever he wants. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
See also: absolute, absolutely, and, corrupt, power
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Prov. One who has total authority is very likely to abuse his position. (This phrase was used by the British historian Lord Acton: "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.") We thought that Johnson would be a responsible mayor, but within a year of taking office, he was as bad as all the rest. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
See also: absolute, absolutely, corrupt, power
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.
  • teach a man to fish
  • village
  • it takes a village
  • a woman's work is never done
  • bad habits die hard
  • chickens come home to roost
  • chickens come home to roost, one's
  • casu consulto
  • change horses in midstream, don't
References in periodicals archive
This comes after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government on Wednesday warned over 400 corrupt officials of severe punishment and decided to give early retirement to around 200 employees.
Govt has absolute right to proceed against corrupt officials: Jitendra Singh
India also made their high currency notes illegal, forcing many corrupt people to trash their ill-gotten wealth as they could not provide a legal source for that wealth.
Currency hoarding
Collectively as Kenyans, we must loathe corruption and the corrupt so much that we make it impossible for corrupt people to use their loot to ascend to office.
Make it difficult for the corrupt to thrive in Kenya
He said besides ensuring that the corrupt face the law, there should be efforts to transform them into good citizens.
Muheria condemns widespread corruption
"We have digitalized vehicle registration and documentation which has decrease corruption in Excise Department but we have been pursing strict policy against corrupt practices in provincial Excise and Taxation Department." The Advisor said added action against corrupt elements would be publicized through media.
Online Tax System would decline corrupt practices in Balochistan: Naeem Bazai
According to CPI, the UAE is the least corrupt Arab country scoring 70 which is higher than average (43), and Somalia is the most corrupt country in the Arab world and globally scoring 10.
Video: The Ten Least Corrupt Arab Countries in The World
He regretted that corrupt rulers of past were pointing accusing finger at the leadership of PTI and its initiatives for public welfare.
PTI challenged corrupt system and brought visible change: CM
The whole system of governance was protecting of the interests of corrupt rulers and elite.
CM Mahmood Khan welcomes ANP's Nisar Khan in PTI
Jawwad Rafique Malik said, believe in Allah Almighty and His fear play basic role in eradicating corrupt practices.
Social boycott of corrupt elements may terminate corrupt practices in society
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today expressed concern over corrupt practices that are becoming increasingly common among the people that they are willing to ignore the negative impact on society and the country.
Dr M says concerned corrupt practices becoming the norm
There is every possibility of observing corrupt practices when perilously examined.
Nigeria's fight against corruption
Prosecutor General Otkurbek Jamshirov named the most corrupt state bodies of Kyrgyzstan during the meeting of the Parliament on May 30 which is considering the report of the Prosecutor General.
Prosecutor General names most corrupt state bodies of Kyrgyzstan
Public Works and Highways Assistant Secretary Tingagun Umpa broke his silence and claimed that the corruption allegation thrown at him is a demolition job allegedly crafted by some corrupt officials after he "refused to negotiate."
DPWH official claims corrupt officials, contractors after him
Those countries which score less than 50 in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of the Transparency International are regarded corrupt. Last year, Nepal was ranked 131 scoring 29.
TI lists Nepal as most corrupt nation
BAGHDAD, July 29 (KUNA) -- The Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi has called for excluding what he referred to as "the corrupt" from the ruling political bodies in the country.
Iraq's PM calls for excluding "corrupt" from political scene