Definition

Noun: A rake-off is a share, percentage, or commission taken from a sum of money, especially from profits, winnings, or illicit gains. It often implies the money is taken unfairly, secretly, or by someone in a position of control, such as an organizer, middleman, or criminal.

Usage

The word rake-off is typically used in informal or business contexts to describe a cut of money. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting the share is taken as a bribe, kickback, or unfair commission. - It is commonly used with verbs like get, take, receive, or demand. - It often follows prepositions like as a or in.

Examples

• The corrupt official demanded a rake-off from the construction contract.
• The gang leader took a hefty rake-off from all the illegal gambling profits.
• How much of a rake-off do the promoters get from ticket sales?
• He was accused of receiving a rake-off for steering business to the supplier.

Advanced Usage

• As a percentage rake-off: Specifying the share as a percentage.
  • His payment was a 10% rake-off of all net profits.
• Implicit in transactions: Used to describe a hidden or understood cut.
  • In that industry, everyone expects a small rake-off to facilitate the deal.

Variants and Related Words

• Kickback (n): A sum of money paid illegally to someone in return for a favor or service, especially in business or politics. This is a very close synonym.
• Commission (n): A payment to an agent for services, typically a percentage of the value involved. This is the neutral, legitimate equivalent.
• Cut (n): (Informal) A share of the profits. ()
• Share (n): A part of a larger amount which is divided among people.

Synonyms

• Percentage
• Slice (informal)
• Piece of the action (idiomatic)

Related Phrases

• To get/take a rake-off: The standard phrase for receiving this share.
  • He was suspected of taking a rake-off on every deal.
• A rake-off scheme: Describing an arrangement built on taking such shares.
  • The investigation uncovered a complex rake-off scheme within the department.

Related Idioms

• On the take: (Idiom) Willingly accepting bribes or illicit payments. A person "on the take" is likely receiving rake-offs.
  • Several politicians were found to be on the take.
• Grease someone's palm: (Idiom) To bribe someone. The bribe itself could be considered a rake-off.
  • You might have to grease a few palms to get that permit.

Noun

1. a percentage (of winnings or loot or profit) taken by an operator or gangster