divide the spoils; share illicit gains
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to divide the stolen goods; to share the loot
Literal sense, used in the context of crime. Often collocates with words like 坐地.
The thieves gathered to divide the loot on the spot after the theft.
When the police arrived, the criminals were dividing the spoils in a secret room.
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They had an internal conflict because the loot was not divided evenly.
verb
to share improper benefits or privileges; to reap illicit gains
Metaphorical sense, used to criticize the unfair distribution of benefits, power, or profits, especially in political, corporate, or corrupt contexts.
The profits from that project were secretly shared among a few executives.
They used their positions of authority to share the spoils during the bidding process.
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This scandal exposed the shady dealings of collusion between government and business to share illicit gains.