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Glite Dictionary
rake-off

rake-off

8.9
A small secret share taken from money or profits by dishonest people
  • noun
  • /ˈreɪkˌɔf/
  • Literature
translation icon : comisión ilícita
  • The shady contractor pocketed a large rake-off from the project funds.

Examples

  • After the sale, he was surprised by the rake-off he received from the profits.

  • No more big Wall Street guns making the rake-off at interest before it even hits Main Street.

    Blog text (14)

  • - You think Robin Hood took a rake-off?

    The Duke (2021)

  • She tried to get a rake-off from me, but now she's getting one from Pyle.

    The Quiet American (2002)

  • He wants you to make a deal with someone who can pass himself off as the warden's go-between and collect the rake-off.

    Another Thin Man (1939)

  • And in his fireplace, you planted Stephens' ledger... ...which contained the records of the syndicate's crooked deals... ...including your rake-off.

    Shadow of the Thin Man (1941)

  • She was accused of taking a rake-off from the charity donations.

Synonyms

vigorish
vsrake-off
  • Jargon
9.9

A small fee taken by a bookmaker or casino on each bet

is a general illicit commission taken from profits beyond gambling

Antonyms

integrity
447 4.3

Being honest and doing what is right

honesty
365 1.0

Being truthful and fair in what you say and do

How Illicit

rake-off
  • Literature
8.9
kickback
38 8.3

Surface Forms

rake-off singular
rake-offs plural

Morphology

rake-off = rake + off (semi-transparent) = rake + off

The noun is formed from the phrasal verb 'rake off' meaning to take money; understanding requires knowledge of the lexicalized phrasal verb rather than literal meanings of 'rake' and 'off'.

Etymology

Rake-off comes from the image of using a rake to 'pull off' the top of a pile, with -off meaning to remove a part. So a rake-off is a share taken from profits, often secretly or as a bribe.