Grease someone's palm: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Grease someone's palm” mean?

"Grease someone's palm" means to give someone money in order to get special treatment or favors.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He had to grease someone's palm to get the job.

Example

The politician was caught greasing someone's palm for a favorable vote.

Example

She had to grease someone's palm to secure a reservation at the exclusive restaurant

Is “Grease someone's palm” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Grease someone's palm” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Grease someone's palm” effectively in context?

You can use "Grease someone's palm" to describe the act of giving someone money in order to receive special treatment or favors. It implies a transactional exchange where money is used to influence someone's actions or decisions. For example, if a friend asks how he got a prime parking spot, you might say, 'He had to grease someone's palm to get that spot.'

• 1. Job Seeking

  In a competitive job market, sometimes you have to grease someone's palm to stand out and secure a position.

• 2. Politics

  Corruption scandals often involve politicians greasing someone's palm for personal gain or to sway votes.

• 3. Restaurant Reservations

  To secure a reservation at a fully booked restaurant, you might have to grease someone's palm with a generous tip.

Similar phrases to “Grease someone's palm”:

Pay someone off

To give someone money in exchange for their cooperation or silence

Example

He paid off the witness to prevent them from testifying against him.

Bribe someone

To offer money or gifts to someone in order to influence their actions or decisions

Example

The company bribed government officials to secure the contract.

Under the table

To do something secretly or illegally, usually involving money or favors

Example

They made an under-the-table deal to avoid taxes.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Grease someone's palm” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Grease someone's palm" is unknown.

Is “Grease someone's palm” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Grease someone's palm" is not as common as some other idioms, but it is still used in everyday conversation, especially in informal settings. It is often used to describe instances of bribery or corruption.

What tone does “Grease someone's palm” have?

"Grease someone's palm" conveys a tone of dishonesty and unethical behavior. It is typically used to criticize or highlight questionable actions involving the exchange of money for favors.

Can “Grease someone's palm” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Grease someone's palm" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is less likely to be used in formal or professional contexts due to its negative connotations.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He had to grease someone's palm to get what he wanted.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "grease someone's palm"!' to imply the need for bribery or corruption.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• bribe someone
• pay someone off
• offer a bribe
• give a kickback
• corrupt someone

Antonyms

• play by the rules
• act ethically
• follow the law
• refuse bribes
• reject corruption