ill-gotten gains
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Gen. Francisco Franco, Spain’s dictator at the time, encouraged cartels to spend their money there, turning a blind eye to the peaceful spending of ill-gotten gains, as long as there was no violence.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026
Det Ch Insp Louise Metcalfe said following the criminal proceedings against all involved, "our final act has been to pursue Hughes for his ill-gotten gains".
From BBC ● Jan. 16, 2025
The lawsuit seeks an injunction barring any further violations of the law, forfeiture of ill-gotten gains, restitution to repay consumers and monetary penalties.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 7, 2025
As quickly as possible, the crew wrapped up their ill-gotten gains and made for the exit as the four guardians wailed pleas and threats and curses behind them.
From Slate ● Dec. 15, 2024
Didn’t scoundrels usually have ill-gotten gains lying around somewhere?
From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
