corrupt authority

[kəˈrʌpt ɔːˈθɒrɪti]
noun phrasepl: corrupt authorities
autoridade corrupta
1. A person or institution in a position of power who abuses that power for personal gain, engaging in bribery, embezzlement, or other illegal activities
The corrupt authority was finally arrested after years of accepting bribes from local businesses.
A autoridade corrupta foi finalmente presa depois de anos aceitando subornos de empresas locais.
2. A government body, official, or organization that exercises power dishonestly or illegally
Citizens filed complaints against the corrupt authority for mishandling public funds.
Cidadãos apresentaram reclamações contra a autoridade corrupta por má gestão de fundos públicos.
In Brazil, discussions about 'autoridade corrupta' are culturally significant due to historical and ongoing concerns about government corruption at all levels. High-profile corruption scandals (such as Operação Lava Jato) have made this term frequently used in media and public discourse. In the USA, the concept relates to longstanding concerns about institutional corruption, police brutality, and political malfeasance, particularly highlighted during movements for government reform and accountability.
NYC Slang
dirty cop / crooked official / on the take
Synonyms / Sinônimos
dishonest officialcrooked authorityunethical administratorcompromised official
Antonyms / Antônimos
honest authorityethical officialincorruptible administratortrustworthy leader

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
autoridade corrupta
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
autoridade corrupta / político safado
Colloquial term 'safado' (crooked) is commonly used informally
São Paulo
autoridade corrupta / gestor desonesto
More formal business/administrative contexts prefer 'gestor desonesto'
Portugal
autoridade corrompida
Portuguese variant uses 'corrompida' instead of 'corrupta'

Related Words

corruptionbriberyembezzlementmalfeasancemisconductfraud

Related Idioms & Phrases

selling out to the highest bidder
lining one's pockets
feathering one's nest
having one's hand in the till
palm grease
under the table deals
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