GREASES PALM Meaning and
Definition
-
The phrase "greases palm" is an idiom used to describe the act of providing illicit or excessive monetary gratification in order to influence or bribe someone, especially to gain special favors or favorable treatment. It is derived from the literal act of applying grease or oil to the palm of one's hand, which allows for smoother movement, much like the facilitation of a transaction through bribery.
When someone "greases palm," they are essentially surreptitiously offering financial incentives to corruptly sway the decision-making or actions of an individual or institution. This typically involves under-the-table payments, gifts, or other perks that are intended to manipulate the recipient's behavior in one's favor.
The act of greasing palm is widely considered unethical and illegal, often resulting in severe consequences for those involved once exposed. It undermines the principles of fairness, integrity, and impartiality, fostering a climate of corruption and the erosion of trust in institutions.
In many legal systems, greasing palm is classified as bribery and is subject to criminal charges, penalties, and associated legal consequences. Furthermore, it damages the reputation of all parties involved, tarnishing their integrity and credibility in the eyes of others.
As a metaphor, "greases palm" signifies the improper influence and corruption that can occur when individuals resort to illicit practices to gain an unfair advantage. Its use in everyday language serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in both personal and professional interactions.
Common Misspellings for GREASES PALM
- grase palm
- greasepalm
- greace palm
- freases palm
- vreases palm
- breases palm
- hreases palm
- yreases palm
- treases palm
- geeases palm
- gdeases palm
- gfeases palm
- gteases palm
- g5eases palm
- g4eases palm
- grwases palm
- grsases palm
- grdases palm
- grrases palm
- gr4ases palm
Etymology of GREASES PALM
The phrase "greases palm" is an idiomatic expression that refers to bribing someone or providing them with money or gifts to gain favor or influence. The etymology of this phrase can be traced back to the practice of palm oiling, which was commonly used in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Palm oiling was a technique employed by dishonest tradesmen or corrupt individuals who would secretly apply palm oil or grease to their palms before shaking hands with someone they wanted to bribe. By doing so, they would transfer the oil or grease onto the other person's palm, leaving them with a sticky and stained hand. This act was meant to symbolize their corrupt intentions and facilitate the exchange of money or gifts.
Over time, the phrase "greases palm" emerged as a figurative representation of this deceitful practice.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
