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Slush fund
01
an amount of money that is set aside to be used for dishonest or illegal activities
Disapproving
Formal
Idiom
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
slush funds
What is the origin of the idiom "slush fund" and when to use it?
The idiom "slush fund" originated in the mid-19th century and has its roots in the practice of melting snow or ice to create a watery mixture known as "slush." This slush was often used to lubricate or clean machinery. It is often used in political or organizational contexts when referring to hidden or unauthorized funds used for questionable purposes.
Examples
The company maintained a slush fund to secure contracts through favors.
