grease one's palms
Verb phrase (idiomatic): To bribe someone; to give someone money or other valuable consideration, often secretly or unethically, to influence their actions or decisions in one's favor.
This phrase is used to describe the act of corruptly influencing someone, typically an official or person in a position of authority, by offering them money. It implies a secretive, dishonest, and often illegal transaction. * It is most commonly used in the structure: grease someone's palm or grease the palm of someone. * The tone is informal and carries a strong negative connotation of corruption.
- To get the construction permit approved quickly, the contractor was suspected of greasing the inspector's palm.
- In some countries, you have to grease a few palms to get basic government services.
- The journalist uncovered a scheme where companies greased the palms of several city council members.
The phrase can be used in various tenses and forms. * Past tense: He greased the official's palm last year. * Present continuous: They are greasing palms to secure the contract. * Passive voice: The process was slowed down until a few palms were greased.
- Grease someone's hand: A less common variant with the same meaning.
- Bribe (verb/noun): The direct, non-idiomatic synonym. (e.g., )
- Pay off (phrasal verb): Can be used similarly in contexts of bribery. (e.g., )
- Bribe
- Buy off
- Suborn
- Corrupt
- On the take: Describing someone who is willing to accept bribes. (e.g., )
- Under the table: Referring to secret, illicit payments. (e.g., )
- make illegal payments to in exchange for favors or influence
- This judge can be bought