palm-grease

Definition
  1. Noun (informal, slang):
    • Bribe money: "palm-grease" refers to money given secretly and illegally to persuade someone to act in one's favour, especially an official. The term derives from the idea of greasing a palm (hand) to make it easier to accept money.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The contractor had to use palm-grease to get the permit approved. (He had to bribe an official.)
    • In some countries, palm-grease is an unfortunate part of doing business. (Bribery is common.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to apply palm-grease": to offer a bribe.

    • They applied palm-grease to the customs officer to avoid inspection. (They bribed the officer.)

  • "palm-grease as a lubricant": a metaphorical use referring to bribery as a way to smooth transactions.

    • Without a little palm-grease, the paperwork never moves. (Without a bribe, the process stalls.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Palm oil (n): literal oil from the fruit of oil palms, unrelated to bribery.

    • Palm oil is used in cooking and cosmetics. (A vegetable oil.)

  • Grease (n/v): fat or oil; also, to bribe informally.

    • He greased the guard's palm to get in. (He bribed the guard.)
Synonyms
  • Bribe: money or favour given to influence someone's actions.
  • Kickback: a share of money paid illegally for a favour.
  • Sweetener: something offered to make a deal more attractive.
Related Idioms

  • Grease someone's palm: to bribe someone.

    • She greased the doorman's palm to skip the queue. (She bribed the doorman.)

  • Oil the wheels: to make a process run smoothly, often by bribery.

    • A small payment can oil the wheels of bureaucracy. (A bribe can speed things up.)
Usage Notes
  • This term is informal and often used disapprovingly. It is rarely used in formal writing or speech. The literal meaning ("palm oil") is distinct and unrelated to bribery.