Robber Baron

What Does "Robber Baron" Mean?

"Robber baron" is an English idiom. It is a term used to describe a wealthy and powerful businessperson or industrialist who is perceived as exploiting workers, manipulating markets, or engaging in unethical business practices to amass wealth and power.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "robber baron" used in a sentence:

• During the industrial revolution, some robber barons amassed enormous fortunes while workers struggled in harsh conditions.
• The history of capitalism includes both influential entrepreneurs and robber barons who left lasting legacies, both positive and negative.
• Public opinion on certain business tycoons is divided, with some considering them philanthropists and others labeling them as robber barons.

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Robber Baron" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

A Quick Test

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