Clearly, the pursuit of product for the would-be oppressors or slaughterers would be considered a negative product, or detriment, by the potential oppressed.
The unarmed would-be robber was arrested after a foot pursuit.
If Greece were to break with its would-be saviours and launch a new drachma, local Banks would be besieged by panicked depositors and the army would have to keep order.
For Mr Sarkozy, the conviction of Mr de Villepin would be a personal vindication, and perhaps a warning shot to any other would-be rival. But it would be unlikely to affect his own political position.
The second hurdle for a would-be lawyer is the bar exam itself.
He still charms would-be investors with his sales patter.