Pronunciation: [sˈɛlz sˈə͡ʊl] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the phrase "sells soul" is /sɛlz soʊl/. The word "sells" is spelled with a double "l" to represent the voiced sound of /z/ in the IPA transcription. Meanwhile, the word "soul" is spelled with a single "l" to signify the unvoiced sound of /s/ in the IPA. The phrase is commonly used to describe the act of making a deal with the devil or sacrificing one's principles or morals for personal gain.
To "sell one's soul" refers to the deliberate act of making a morally compromising decision or exchanging one's integrity, principles, or core values for personal gain or advantage. The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where an individual willingly sacrifices their ethical beliefs or compromises their ideals in pursuit of power, fame, wealth, or success.
Originally rooted in religious and philosophical contexts, the concept of selling one's soul has associations with the idea of making a Faustian bargain. It typically implies an agreement with an external force, often referenced in literature, folklore, or mythology, where an individual willingly trades their spiritual or moral essence in exchange for temporary pleasures, material possessions, or worldly achievements.
The metaphorical meaning of "selling one's soul" extends beyond any literal spiritual or superstitious implications. It highlights the notion of personal betrayal, self-abnegation, or abandoning one's authentic self in order to satisfy selfish interests or ambitions. This expression typically conveys a sense of moral compromise, conveying that an individual has chosen to prioritize their immediate desires or material gains at the expense of their integrity, self-identity, or higher principles.
In contemporary usage, the phrase "sell one's soul" can also be employed to criticize individuals or institutions that prioritize profit, power, or personal interests over the common good or social welfare. It emphasizes the notion of sacrificing moral integrity or betraying deeply held values for personal benefit, thereby conveying a sense of ethical decay or moral bankruptcy.
