suede-shoe operator

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English[edit]

Noun[edit]

suede-shoe operator (plural suede-shoe operators)

  1. (slang) A flashy and dishonest trader.
    • 1959, Weekly News Letter, volumes 1-2:
      In any event, the first time the homeowner comes in contact with the contractor is when the job is actually performed. By then, Childers said, the "suede shoe" operator has skipped town and the contractor is responsible []
    • 1970, United States. Congress. Senate. Select Committee on Equal Educational Opportunity, Equal Educational Opportunity: Hearings, page 10855:
      The profit allowance must be such that it will discourage the "speculator" or "suede shoe" operator. The purpose is to exclude from FHA insured properties the possibility of exorbitant profits at the purchaser's expense.
    • 1986, William D. Mitchell, Contractor's Survival Manual, page 128:
      Here's the best way to smoke out the Suede Shoe Operator: Ask about money. Insist on knowing the dates you'll get paid and the exact amount.

Related terms[edit]