sell oneself and pledge allegiance; become a stooge; lose integrity
Meanings
1 sense · 5 examplesverb
to sell oneself and pledge allegiance to a patron; to become a stooge
literaryThis idiom carries a strong derogatory connotation, used to criticize someone who betrays their principles, integrity, or country for personal gain or protection by aligning with a powerful but unscrupulous patron or side.
In order to get promoted and rich, he actually sold himself out and pledged allegiance to the local bully.
At the critical moment of national peril, he chose to sell himself out to the invaders, becoming a criminal in history.
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His behavior is tantamount to selling himself out, completely losing the integrity an intellectual should have.
This traitor sold himself out to the enemy and betrayed a large amount of confidential intelligence.
Rather than sell oneself out and live in disgrace, it's better to maintain one's integrity and die with honor.