underbelly — the hidden, usually corrupt or criminal part of society or an organization
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the hidden, usually corrupt or criminal part of society or an organization
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʌndərˌbeli/
Example Sentences
- The journalist spent months investigating the underbelly of the gambling industry.
- Even the cutest hamster has a pink, ticklish underbelly that makes it giggle!
- The politician promised to clean up the underbelly of city hall.
underbelly
NOUN[/ˈʌndərˌbeli/]
the hidden, usually corrupt or criminal part of society or an organization
The documentary exposed the dark underbelly of the glittering casino city.
Behind the belly lies something smelly - the underbelly!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
A compound word formed from 'under' (beneath) and 'belly' (abdomen). Originally referring to the literal underside of an animal's body, the most vulnerable and unprotected area, the term evolved metaphorically to denote a weakness, vulnerable point, or hidden dark aspect of something.
Breakdown
under- (beneath, below) + belly (abdomen, stomach). The literal anatomical reference to the soft, exposed underside of an animal's body became extended to mean any vulnerable or concealed weakness.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The journalist spent months investigating the underbelly of the gambling industry.”
“Even the cutest hamster has a pink, ticklish underbelly that makes it giggle!”
“The politician promised to clean up the underbelly of city hall.”
“My car's underbelly collects more mud than a pig at a spa!”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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