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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
grease someone's palm
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(18)
sweeten the pot
sweeten the deal
enhance the agreement
improve the terms
add incentives
sweeten the offer
sweeten the pie
better time of the deal
opportune moment
better end of the deal
offer a perk
provide a benefit
grant a privilege
dangle a carrot
make it worth your while
make it worthwhile
make it appealing
raise the stakes
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
Nothing moves in the country without someone's palm being greased.
News & Media
They asked me to push against someone's palm with my heel.
News & Media
Only read someone's palm with their permission.
Wiki
"In the old days you had to trudge through the snow to grease people's palms," said the official.
News & Media
If you're going to do read someone else's palms, keep it light.
Wiki
"You can't blot your pizza, which I like to do to get the grease off, with someone's cloth napkin with an embroidered flower on it".
News & Media
Try using an open palm to direct someone's attention instead.[17].[17]
Wiki
A guy in a pink shirt wipes the grease off his palm with a tablecloth so he can shake another guy's hand.
News & Media
Of Mrs. Clinton, he said, "I think she still has the obligation to grease the right palm".
News & Media
The major feedstocks currently being used to produce oil for biodiesel are corn, soybean, rapeseed, yellow grease, and oil palm.
Science
Take a gob of new bearing grease in your palm and push the grease into the bearings until they are completely packed with new grease.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use the idiom “grease someone's palm” when you want to convey the idea of bribing someone to facilitate a desired outcome. Ensure the context implies an unethical or illegal transaction.
Common error
Avoid using “grease someone's palm” in situations where you simply mean rewarding someone for good service. This idiom carries a strong negative connotation of bribery and corruption, so use it carefully to reflect that meaning.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The idiom “grease someone's palm” functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of bribing someone, often to facilitate an illicit or unethical transaction. As per Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Wiki
33%
Reference
33%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The idiom “grease someone's palm” is a phrase used to describe the act of bribing someone, typically to secure favorable treatment or to circumvent rules. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct. While examples are rare, the idiom is generally understood across various contexts, including news and media and informal conversation. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the negative connotation of bribery and corruption. Consider alternatives like "bribe someone" or "pay off someone" for similar meanings.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
bribe someone
This is a direct and common synonym focusing on the act of offering something of value to influence someone's actions.
pay off someone
Emphasizes the act of giving money to receive a specific action or inaction in return.
suborn someone
A more formal and legalistic term that means to induce someone to commit perjury or another unlawful act.
buy someone off
Suggests neutralizing opposition or gaining cooperation through payment or other incentives.
sweeten the pot
Refers to adding something extra to an offer to make it more attractive, often in a questionable or unethical manner.
make a payoff
Focuses on the act of delivering the bribe rather than the intention behind it.
slip someone a sweetener
Implies a discreet and subtle exchange of money or favors.
scratch someone's back
Suggests a reciprocal arrangement where favors are exchanged for mutual benefit, often blurring ethical lines.
line someone's pockets
Highlights the personal enrichment aspect of bribery, emphasizing the benefit to the recipient.
feather someone's nest
Similar to lining someone's pockets but focuses on providing long-term security and comfort through illicit means.
FAQs
What does it mean to "grease someone's palm"?
To "grease someone's palm" means to bribe them, usually with money, in order to get them to do something for you, often something they wouldn't normally do or something that is against the rules.
When is it appropriate to use the idiom "grease someone's palm"?
This idiom should be used when discussing situations involving bribery or corruption. It implies an illicit transaction where money or favors are exchanged for preferential treatment.
Are there any alternatives to saying "grease someone's palm"?
Yes, you can use alternatives like "bribe someone", "pay off someone", or "suborn someone" depending on the context and level of formality.
Is "grease someone's palm" a formal or informal expression?
The expression "grease someone's palm" is considered informal. It's more suitable for casual conversation or journalistic writing than formal academic or business documents.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested