gravy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gravy" can be correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It is often used informally to refer to something that is easy or extra, typically in a positive sense, such as an additional benefit or advantage. Example: "Once I secured the contract, everything else was just gravy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's a thing of beauty and a joy forever of course but can turn to gall and wormwood without a decent gravy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Finally, the turkey is roasted for five hours, during which time it must be basted every 15 minutes with a gravy made using giblets, liver and heart.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Little wonder many are starting to question the amount of gravy in this train.

The Guardian

You might as well celebrate the life of Buddha by pouring gravy on an orgy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The boys get chicken once a week, on Sundays, so Bahrani walked them through a recipe for chicken in what I can now vouch for is most abasingly described as "coconut gravy"; a special black daal; and fried rice, which they craved after a field trip to a Chinese restaurant.

The Guardian

The gravy train rolls on for senior managers!

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

A gravy-train is hard to stop when it is fuelled by votes.

The Economist

Read the pages and pages of reporting, and the English papers suggest the stench of corruption around world football is so intense that anyone not endorsing English complaints must be simply part of the gravy-train, knowingly and complacently wallowing in their venality.

The Economist

As long as the state's gravy-train keeps running, solar power's future is bright in the land of the rising sun.

The Economist

We only have to look back as far as the post-Enron period and the subsequent Sarbanes-Oxley gravy-train for the evidence.Tim Jenkins LondonSpace technologySIR – Your briefing on space technology included an interview with Joseph Rouge, director of the National Security Space Office at the Pentagon, about the International Traffic in Arms Regulation ("Earthbound", August 23rd).

The Economist

A chief critic of the supposed corporate gravy-train is Warren Buffett.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gravy that accompanies the food, mention key flavor or ingredient components to showcase the dish.

Common error

Avoid using "gravy" in formal contexts where its figurative meaning (unearned gain) might be misinterpreted as unprofessional or flippant. Opt for more precise terms like "additional revenue" or "surplus".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gravy" is as a noun. It refers to a sauce made from meat or vegetable juices, or, informally, to an unearned benefit. Ludwig indicates that this term is generally correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "gravy" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a sauce or, figuratively, an unearned benefit. Ludwig confirms that "gravy" is grammatically sound and usable. Its usage varies, from culinary contexts to more informal descriptions of easily acquired advantages, sometimes with a negative connotation. When writing, consider the context to avoid misinterpretations, especially in formal settings. While versatile, it's essential to ensure that your use of "gravy" aligns with your intended message, as its figurative meaning might be perceived as unprofessional in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unearned gain

Directly reflects the meaning of "gravy" as profit or advantage obtained without effort.

pan gravy

Specifically refers to gravy made from the drippings of a pan after cooking meat, closer to the original meaning.

sauce

Refers to a liquid or semi-liquid accompaniment to food, similar to one of the primary culinary meanings of "gravy".

gravy train

This refers to a situation where someone can make a lot of money with very little effort.

extra benefit

Captures the meaning of "gravy" as an additional advantage or perk.

bonus

Indicates something received in addition to what is expected or required, like an extra advantage.

thick sauce

Describes the consistency and type of gravy used for cooking and eating purposes.

windfall

Suggests an unexpected gain or stroke of good luck, akin to the 'unearned gain' sense of "gravy".

meat juices

Highlight the origin of the sauce coming from meat that is being cooked.

unexpected advantage

This refers to something good that was not anticipated.

FAQs

How is "gravy" used in cooking?

In cooking, "gravy" refers to a sauce made from meat or vegetable juices, often thickened with flour or cornstarch. It is commonly served with dishes like roast dinners or mashed potatoes.

What does "gravy train" mean?

The phrase "gravy train" refers to a situation where someone can make a lot of money with very little effort, often in a way that is seen as unfair or corrupt.

What can I say instead of "gravy" when referring to an additional benefit?

You can use alternatives like "bonus", "extra benefit", or "windfall" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "gravy" in formal writing?

While "gravy" is acceptable in informal contexts, it is generally best to avoid using it in formal writing, especially when referring to an unearned benefit. More precise and professional terms are preferred.