time-serving

A politician was accused of being a time-serving opportunist.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • Opportunistic behavior: "time-serving" refers to the practice of adapting one's actions or opinions to suit the prevailing circumstances or the interests of those in power, often for personal advantage rather than principle.

2. Adjective:

   • Characterized by opportunism: Describes a person or action that is guided by immediate advantage or convenience, especially in political or social contexts, rather than by consistent moral or ethical standards.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • His constant time-serving in the office earned him promotions but lost him the respect of his colleagues. (His opportunistic behavior to please superiors.)
  • The politician's time-serving was obvious when he changed his stance on the issue after the election. (Adapting opinions for personal gain.)

• Adjective:

  • She adopted a time-serving attitude, agreeing with every proposal to avoid conflict. (An opportunistic approach.)
  • The time-serving journalist wrote articles that flattered the government, hoping for rewards. (Writing to please those in power.)

Advanced Usage

• "a time-serving courtier": a person at a royal court who flatters the monarch for personal advancement.

  • The king was surrounded by time-serving courtiers who never offered honest advice. (Courtiers who act only for their own benefit.)

• "time-serving policies": political decisions made to gain short-term popularity rather than for long-term benefit.

  • The government's time-serving policies ignored environmental issues to win votes. (Short-sighted, opportunistic policies.)

Variants and Related Words

• Time-server (n): a person who practices time-serving.

  • He was a well-known time-server, always switching sides to stay in favor. (An opportunistic individual.)

• Time-serve (v): to act in a time-serving manner.

  • She learned to time-serve in the corporate world by always agreeing with her boss. (To behave opportunistically.)

Synonyms

• Opportunism: the practice of taking advantage of opportunities, often unscrupulously.
• Trimming: adjusting one's position to suit current trends or powers.
• Fence-sitting: avoiding commitment to a clear position to remain safe.

Antonyms

• Principle: adherence to moral rules or beliefs.
• Integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
• Consistency: unchanging adherence to the same principles.

Related Idioms

• To go with the flow: to do what others are doing or to accept the prevailing situation without resistance.

  • He didn't have strong opinions, so he just went with the flow. (Similar to time-serving in its lack of principle.)

• To blow with the wind: to change one's opinions or actions according to circumstances.

  • The politician blew with the wind, supporting whatever was popular. (A metaphor for time-serving.)