SWEETHEART AGREEMENT Meaning and
Definition
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A "sweetheart agreement" refers to a collusive arrangement made between two parties in order to gain mutual benefits or advantages. This term is commonly used in the business context to describe an agreement or understanding that is perceived to be excessively favorable, often unfair, to one of the parties involved.
In a sweetheart agreement, the involved parties conspire to create a legally binding arrangement that provides special treatment or preferential treatment to one of the parties. This can be done by offering the favored party exclusive rights, granting them exceptional pricing, or providing other advantages that are not readily available to other competitors or stakeholders. Consequently, the agreement often results in unequal treatment and disadvantages other parties who may have been more deserving or qualified.
Sweetheart agreements are frequently associated with corruption or unethical behavior, as they can involve bribes, kickbacks, or other illicit practices. These agreements can undermine fair competition, distort market dynamics, and hinder economic growth. Governments and regulatory bodies often take strong measures to discourage and penalize sweetheart agreements, as they can damage the integrity and transparency of business dealings.
The term "sweetheart agreement" can also be used in a broader context beyond business. In personal relationships, it may refer to an informal understanding or agreement between two people, typically romantic partners, characterized by affection, kindness, and unwavering support. In this context, a sweetheart agreement signifies a mutual pledge or commitment to prioritize each other's well-being and happiness, often accompanied by displays of affection and romantic gestures.
Common Misspellings for SWEETHEART AGREEMENT
- aweetheart agreement
- zweetheart agreement
- xweetheart agreement
- dweetheart agreement
- eweetheart agreement
- wweetheart agreement
- sqeetheart agreement
- saeetheart agreement
- sseetheart agreement
- seeetheart agreement
- s3eetheart agreement
- s2eetheart agreement
- swwetheart agreement
- swsetheart agreement
- swdetheart agreement
- swretheart agreement
- sw4etheart agreement
- sw3etheart agreement
- swewtheart agreement
- swestheart agreement
Etymology of SWEETHEART AGREEMENT
The word "sweetheart agreement" originated in the early 20th century in the United States. It combines the terms "sweetheart" and "agreement" to describe a confidential or secret agreement reached between two parties with a close or friendly relationship.
The term "sweetheart" has been used since the late 16th century as an adjective to describe something or someone that is kind, affectionate, or amiable. It is derived from the Middle English word "swete herte", which referred to a tender or loving heart. Over time, "sweetheart" has evolved into a noun that typically refers to a person's romantic partner or someone they deeply care for.
The addition of "agreement" to "sweetheart" in the term "sweetheart agreement" relates to a specific type of agreement, often between labor unions and employers.
Idioms with the word SWEETHEART AGREEMENT
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sweetheart agreement
A "sweetheart agreement" refers to an informal agreement or arrangement that is made privately and without the involvement of others, usually between two parties who are close or have a personal relationship. This type of agreement is often viewed with distrust or suspicion because it may not be fair, transparent, or in the best interest of all parties involved.
