Faustian bargain Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A deal where someone sacrifices their morals or values for personal gain, often with serious long-term negative consequences. The term comes from the legend of Faust, who traded his soul to the devil for knowledge and power.
Usage & Nuances
A literary and cultural allusion; mainly used in formal, academic, or intellectual conversation. Used to criticize decisions with moral compromise in exchange for benefit. Not literal; often used for politics, business, or personal ambition contexts.
Example Sentences
Making a faustian bargain means choosing short-term gain over long-term values.
basic
He entered a faustian bargain to get ahead in his career.
basic
The company made a faustian bargain by ignoring environmental rules for profit.
basic
Many believe the politician made a faustian bargain to stay in power.
natural
Selling your principles for money is basically a faustian bargain.
natural
He knew it was a faustian bargain, but he couldn't resist the offer.
natural