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Loan shark
01
a person who lends money to people, typically under illegal conditions, at a very high rate of interest
What is the origin of the idiom "loan shark" and when to use it?
The idiom "loan shark" has its origins in the criminal underworld and is believed to date back to the early 20th century. It is thought to have originated in the United States where individuals would lend money to borrowers at extremely high interest rates. The phrase is often used to describe illegal lending practices that involve using threats, violence, or intimidation to make borrowers pay back the money they owe.
loan shark
n
Example
The borrower is currently dealing with a loan shark who threatens physical harm if the loan isn't repaid on time.
Last year, she fell victim to a loan shark and had to endure months of harassment and intimidation before finally paying off the debt.
The government is taking steps to crack down on illegal loan shark operations in the city.
He warns his friends to avoid loan sharks and seek reputable lenders instead.
The authorities arrested several individuals involved in a loan shark ring that had been operating for years.