# crony capitalism

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/crony-capitalism
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A form of capitalism in which success in business depends on corrupt close relationships with government officials, often implying favouritism.

## Examples

- Crony capitalism hurts small businesses that lack political connections.
- The public grew angry when they discovered the company won the contract through crony capitalism rather than a fair bidding process.
- Economists argue that the nation's slow growth stems from systemic crony capitalism, where government officials grant exclusive favors to their wealthy business associates.

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