sleaze factor

Idioms  

1. The element in a political party, administration, or other organization that is corrupt, controversial, or tainted by scandal. For example, I can't see myself making a campaign contribution to them—there's too much of a sleaze factor. This slangy expression derives from the adjective sleazy, which means “vulgar” or “tawdry.” The idiom was first used in politics in the 1980s.

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Example Sentences

The so-called “sleaze factor” has eroded Mr. Johnson’s poll numbers, frayed his ties with his party’s backbenchers and raised questions about whether he might face an internal leadership challenge.

From New York Times

Another aide, Anji Hunter, had warned that the government was "losing moral authority by the second", thanks to the "sleaze" factor.

From BBC

The Mail under Mr. Greig was especially unforgiving about the perceived “sleaze” factor in government.

From New York Times

As special counsel Robert S. Mueller III moves toward the summation of his investigation — and whatever his eventual report produces — there is no escaping the sleaze factor that existed around President Trump before and during his campaign for the White House in 2016.

From Washington Post

In Reagan’s era, it became known as the “sleaze factor.”

From New York Times