GREASE PALMS Meaning and
Definition
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"Grease palms" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the English language. This phrase is often used figuratively to describe the act of giving or receiving bribes or under-the-table payments, usually to manipulate a situation in one's favor or gain illegal advantages. It is an informal term that carries a negative connotation, reflecting unethical or corrupt practices.
The phrase "grease palms" derives its meaning from the image of applying grease or oil to one's palms, ultimately rendering them slick and able to facilitate the illicit exchange of money. In this context, it implies an act of bribery or illegal financial transaction that is covert and hidden, since the actual amount and details of the payment often remain undisclosed to avoid legal repercussions.
While the term is primarily associated with corruption and illicit activities, it can also be used metaphorically to describe any situation in which someone seeks to gain an unfair advantage or manipulate others through the use of money. This may include scenarios in politics, business, or personal relationships, where someone seeks to "grease palms" in order to exert influence or secure preferential treatment.
Overall, "grease palms" is a colloquial phrase used to describe the act of bribing or exchanging illicit payments for personal or dishonest gains, conveying the idea of corruption, favoritism, or manipulation in various contexts.
Common Misspellings for GREASE PALMS
- frease palms
- vrease palms
- brease palms
- hrease palms
- yrease palms
- trease palms
- geease palms
- gdease palms
- gfease palms
- gtease palms
- g5ease palms
- g4ease palms
- grwase palms
- grsase palms
- grdase palms
- grrase palms
- gr4ase palms
- gr3ase palms
- grezse palms
- gresse palms
Etymology of GREASE PALMS
The phrase "grease palms" is an idiomatic expression that means to bribe or provide money to someone in order to gain favors or influence. The etymology of this phrase can be traced back to the metaphorical use of the word "grease" and "palms".
The verb "grease" comes from Middle English "gresen" and originally referred to applying grease or oil to machinery to make it work smoothly. Over time, the word "grease" took on a metaphorical meaning of facilitating something through the application of an undue advantage or lubricant, often in the form of money or gifts.
The term "palm" refers to the palm of the hand, which is associated with receiving something, such as money or a bribe. The notion of greasing one's palm is the act of offering money to someone by discreetly slipping it into their open hand.
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