Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
grease someone's palm
idiom
/ɡris ˈsʌmˌwʌnz pɑm/
Definition
To bribe someone, especially a person in a position of power, by giving them money or a favor.
Examples
- If you want to get the job, you might have to grease the hiring manager’s palm.
- They decided to grease the local officials’ palms to ensure the permit was approved quickly.
- It’s unethical to grease someone’s palm to avoid getting a ticket.
Meaning
This phrase implies that a person is engaging in corrupt behavior by offering money or gifts to influence someone’s actions or decisions.
Synonyms
- bribe
- pay off
- grease the wheels
