pot-de-vin

bribe

noun poh-duh-VAN Rare

Usage Note

Pot-de-vin literally translates as 'pot of wine' — historically a small gift of wine offered to seal a deal — but today means exclusively a bribe or kickback. The plural is pots-de-vin. It is a neutral legal term; verser un pot-de-vin ('to pay a bribe') appears in court documents and journalism alike.

Examples

"Il a été condamné pour avoir versé des pots-de-vin."

Natural Translation

He was convicted for paying bribes.

Literal Translation

He has been convicted for having paid bribes.

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