Inequality is a prevalent issue in society, affecting various aspects of life, from wealth and power to opportunities and rights. Understanding idioms that describe inequality can help in recognizing and articulating these disparities more effectively. Here are 20 idioms that highlight different facets of inequality.
1. The rich get richer
Meaning: Wealth disparity grows.
Example: In this economy, the rich get richer while the poor struggle.
2. The haves and the have-nots
Meaning: Those with wealth vs. those without.
Example: The gap between the haves and the have-nots is widening.
3. A level playing field
Meaning: Equal opportunities.
Example: We need to create a level playing field for all employees.
4. On an uneven keel
Meaning: Unstable or unequal conditions.
Example: The competition was on an uneven keel due to biased rules.
5. Behind the eight ball
Meaning: At a disadvantage.
Example: Without proper education, many children are behind the eight ball.
6. Unequal footing
Meaning: Different starting points.
Example: Candidates from affluent backgrounds have unequal footing.
7. The deck is stacked against
Meaning: Biased in favor of others.
Example: The system feels like the deck is stacked against the poor.
8. Second-class citizen
Meaning: Treated as inferior.
Example: Immigrants often feel like second-class citizens.
9. Out of the loop
Meaning: Excluded from information.
Example: Many employees feel out of the loop about company decisions.
10. A raw deal
Meaning: Unfair treatment.
Example: She got a raw deal when her promotion was denied.
11. Short end of the stick
Meaning: Worse part of a deal.
Example: He always gets the short end of the stick in negotiations.
12. A fish out of water
Meaning: Uncomfortable or out of place.
Example: She felt like a fish out of water at the elite event.
13. Not in the same league
Meaning: Different levels of ability or status.
Example: Their team is not in the same league as ours.
14. A dog-eat-dog world
Meaning: Ruthless competition.
Example: In a dog-eat-dog world, only the strongest survive.
15. The glass ceiling
Meaning: Invisible barrier to advancement.
Example: Many women face the glass ceiling in their careers.
16. Playing second fiddle
Meaning: Being subordinate.
Example: He was tired of playing second fiddle to his brother.
17. A dime a dozen
Meaning: Common and of little value.
Example: Jobs like these are a dime a dozen in the city.
18. Living hand to mouth
Meaning: Barely getting by financially.
Example: Many families are living hand to mouth despite working hard.
19. An uphill battle
Meaning: Difficult struggle.
Example: Achieving equality is often an uphill battle.
20. Scraping the bottom of the barrel
Meaning: Using the least desirable options.
Example: When resources are scarce, we’re left scraping the bottom of the barrel.
