divide the spoils
Split the plunder
To divide the spoils is to share out the gains from a victory, conquest, or successful venture among those who participated.
The phrase comes from warfare, where spoils were plundered goods distributed among the victors.
Now it applies broadly to any shared windfall: After the company sold, the founders divided the spoils.
The phrase often carries a slightly cynical edge, suggesting opportunistic gain rather than earned reward.
- lootStolen valuables
- plunderGoods seized violently
- ill-gotten gainsWealth obtained dishonestly
- bootyStolen valuables, especially treasure
- sharePortion given out
fair share · lion's share · pillage · treasure · war chest · haul · cut · winnings · bounty · carve · carve up · split · portion · raid · conquer · victors · claim · distribute