Meaning of the word "laws catch flies, but let hornets go free" in English
What does "laws catch flies, but let hornets go free" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
laws catch flies, but let hornets go free
US /lɔːz kætʃ flaɪz, bʌt let ˈhɔːrnɪts ɡoʊ friː/
UK /lɔːz kætʃ flaɪz, bʌt let ˈhɔːnɪts ɡəʊ friː/
Idiom
a proverb suggesting that legal systems often punish small or weak offenders while allowing powerful or wealthy ones to escape justice
Example:
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The small shopkeeper was fined heavily for a minor error, while the corporation avoided taxes entirely; truly, laws catch flies, but let hornets go free.
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Critics of the justice system often argue that laws catch flies, but let hornets go free when they see wealthy executives avoid prison.