palm-greasing

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Bribery or illicit payment: "palm-greasing" refers to the act of giving money or gifts to someone, typically in a position of authority, in order to influence their decisions or gain an unfair advantage. It is a colloquial term for corruption or underhanded inducement.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The politician was accused of palm-greasing to secure the contract. (He was suspected of offering bribes to win the deal.)
    • Palm-greasing is common in some industries where officials expect extra payments for routine approvals. (Bribery is a frequent practice in those sectors.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to engage in palm-greasing": to participate in bribery.

    • The company denied any palm-greasing during the bidding process. (They claimed they did not use bribes.)

  • "palm-greasing scandal": a public controversy involving bribery.

    • The palm-greasing scandal led to several arrests and resignations. (The corruption case resulted in legal actions.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Palm-greaser (n): a person who gives bribes.

    • The palm-greaser was caught on camera handing over cash. (The bribe-giver was recorded.)

  • Grease the palm (verb phrase): to bribe someone.

    • He greased the palm of the security guard to let him in. (He bribed the guard.)
Synonyms
  • Bribery: the act of offering money or favors to influence someone.
  • Payoff: a payment made to corrupt or bribe someone.
  • Kickback: a percentage of money given to someone in return for a favor, often in business deals.
Idioms

  • "to grease the wheels": to make something run smoothly, often by using bribes.

    • A little palm-greasing can grease the wheels of bureaucracy. (Bribery can speed up official processes.)

  • "to cross someone's palm with silver": to bribe someone, especially with money.

    • He crossed the official's palm with silver to get the permit. (He bribed the official.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Grease up (verb): to bribe someone.
    • They greased up the inspector to overlook the safety violations. (They bribed the inspector.)
Related Concepts
  • Corruption: dishonest or illegal behavior by those in power, often involving bribery.
  • Influence peddling: the practice of using one's influence in government or business to obtain favors, often for payment.