Difference between revisions 302167358 and 327920671 on enwiki

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"'''Gravy train'''" is an [[Idiom|idiomatic expression]] that is used to refer to any lucrative endeavor, generally with unearned benefits. For emphasis, one can describe the Gravy Train as having biscuit wheels.

The word "gravy" by itself was used prior to the invention of the phrase "gravy train" as an [[interjection]] of pleasure at something that's easy to do with a great reward, or as an adjective to describe such a situation<ref>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=gravy An etymology for the phrase]</ref>, similar to 'cushy'.  An easy task.

In politics, "gravy train" refers to political handouts, patronage, and other unearned freebies, since someone else foots the bill.  It is used to condemn thinly veiled vote-buying schemes; the "bread" half of [[bread and circuses]].

== External links and references ==
*[http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-gra4.htm Michael Quinion] "in the ''Courier of Connellsville'' (also in Pennsylvania) in November 1895, almost two decades before the previously oldest known example: ''Johnston claims that Reuben Nelson and another tall negro were in New HaShort pages monitor}}<!-- This long comment was added to the page to prevent it being listed on Special:Shortpages. It and the accompanying monitoring template were generated via Template:Longcomment. Please do not removen the night of the escape and that they broke into the lockup. Johnson further states that the next day Kelson laughingly told him that the New Haven lockup was "a gravy train." '' "

==References==
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[[Category:English idioms]]
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