Basic Details
Word: Embezzle
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To secretly take money that has been entrusted to you for personal use.
Synonyms: Misappropriate, defraud, steal
Antonyms: Return, refund, give back
Idioms and Phrases
- On the wrong side of the law: To be involved in illegal activities. Example: "He found himself on the wrong side of the law after being caught trying to embezzle funds from the company."
- Take the money and run: To leave quickly with money without any intention of returning. Example: "After embezzling the funds, he decided to take the money and run to another country."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The accountant was arrested for trying to embezzle hundreds of thousands of pounds from the charity.
Example 2: When the investigation began, it was revealed that she had embezzled money over several years.
Example 3: Embezzling is a serious crime that can lead to significant penalties and loss of trust.
Fun Fact
The word "embezzle" comes from the Old French word "embeiseler", meaning 'to encumber'. It has evolved over time to refer specifically to the unlawful taking of someone else's funds.
Famous Quote
"Stealing is stealing, whether you do it with a gun or with a pen." - Sydney Madwed
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "embezzle" mean?
a) To lend money
b) To take money secretly for personal use
c) To give away money
d) To save money
Answer: b) To take money secretly for personal use
2. Which of these is a synonym of "embezzle"?
a) Misappropriate
b) Create
c) Collect
d) Share
Answer: a) Misappropriate
3. What is an antonym of "embezzle"?
a) Take
b) Acquire
c) Give back
d) Steal
Answer: c) Give back
4. Which sentence uses "embezzle" correctly?
a) She plans to embezzle money from her savings.
b) The company needed to embezzle new software.
c) The lawyer was accused of trying to embezzle from his clients.
d) I will embezzle my homework tonight.
Answer: c) The lawyer was accused of trying to embezzle from his clients.
5. Which idiom relates to actions like embezzling?
a) On the wrong side of the law
b) The early bird catches the worm
c) A penny for your thoughts
d) Home is where the heart is
Answer: a) On the wrong side of the law
