be in league with someone idiom meaning
Idiom: Be in league with someone
Definition: To conspire or collaborate with someone, especially in secret or for a wrongful purpose. It often implies that the collaboration is unauthorized or unethical.
Usage: This idiom is frequently used to suggest that two or more individuals are working together for a common goal that might be viewed negatively by others. The phrase can also convey the idea that the individuals involved share a mutual understanding or agreement.
Example Sentence: “The detective suspected that the politician was in league with the criminal organization.”
Etymology: The expression derives from “league,” which comes from the Old French “ligue,” meaning “a union, an alliance.” The use of “league” in this context refers to a formal agreement or association, typically for mutual benefit or a common purpose. Over time, the phrase evolved to imply secretive or underhanded cooperation.
Pronunciation: /biː ɪn liːɡ wɪð ˈsʌm.wʌn/
Synonyms: Collaborate with, conspire with, collude with, ally with, be associated with.
Antonyms: Oppose, stand against, act independently, disassociate, disengage.
- The two companies are in league with each other to develop a new software that could revolutionize the industry.
- After the scandal broke, it was revealed that several politicians were in league with the lobbyists.
- I can’t believe she would be in league with someone who has such a terrible reputation.
- The detectives suspected that the criminal was in league with a group of hackers to carry out the heist.
- They seem to be in league with each other, always supporting one another’s questionable decisions.
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