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Processed with VS1Understand shark metaphors for predatory lending, risky company, skilled competitors, and a decline in quality.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptA “loan shark” lends money at extremely high rates, often taking advantage of people who need cash. A “pool shark” is a highly skilled pool player who may deceive opponents for money. “Swimming with sharks” means being among dangerous or exploitative people. If a show “jumps the shark,” it has become implausible or declined in quality after a once-popular turning point.
Cultural note: These metaphors accuse someone of danger or exploitation, so use them only when the context supports that judgment. “Shark bait” can be a demeaning label for a person and is included for recognition, not as a recommended description. “Jump the shark” is usually an opinion about entertainment, not an objective measure.
Keep exploringShark metaphors can warn about exploitation, describe a high-stakes setting, or criticize a show that has lost its way.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
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Recognize language that describes predatory or deceptive conduct.
Meaning
A lender who charges extremely high rates and may exploit borrowers.
Tone & use
Strongly negative and often associated with illegal or coercive lending; not a neutral synonym for lender.
Example
“The consumer group warned residents about an unlicensed lender whose terms resembled those of a loan shark.”
Meaning
A highly skilled pool player, especially one who disguises that skill to win money.
Tone & use
Informal. “Pool” here means the cue sport, not a swimming pool.
Example
“The regulars suspected the newcomer was a pool shark after he won several games in a row.”
Understand a metaphor for spending time among dangerous people.
Meaning
Spending time or operating in a setting with dangerous or exploitative people.
Tone & use
Figurative and cautionary. It expresses a judgment about the people or environment.
Example
“The new company entered a highly competitive market, and its founders knew they were swimming with sharks.”
Use a pop-culture phrase for a once-successful show or idea.
Meaning
Reach a point when a once-popular show or idea becomes implausible or loses quality.
Tone & use
Informal pop-culture criticism. Opinions differ about exactly when—or whether—a show jumped the shark.
Example
“Some viewers thought the series jumped the shark when it abandoned its original setting.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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