gravy train
An easy, lucrative situation or job that provides steady benefits with little effort, often seen as unfair or undeserved.
From early 20th‑century American slang: “gravy” meant extra profit or an easy benefit. Adding “train” suggests a continuing ride of ongoing perks, often tied to patronage or cushy contracts.
Often carries a critical or cynical tone, implying undeserved or unfair easy money and perks (sometimes corruption). Common in news, politics, and business. Directly calling someone’s job a “gravy train” can sound accusatory.
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After the merger, some executives found themselves on a gravy train of bonuses and perks.
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The audit exposed a gravy train of no-bid contracts going to the same vendors.
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He’s trying to get on the gravy train by cozying up to the new management.
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Once the subsidies ended, the gravy train stopped and the project collapsed.
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Critics say the program has become a gravy train for consultants rather than a help for residents.
Typically used with an article: “a/the gravy train.” Common patterns: “be on the gravy train,” “get/jump on the gravy train,” “ride the gravy train,” “the gravy train ended/stopped.” Plural “gravy trains” is possible but less common.
- easy money
- cushy job
- sinecure
- money spinner
- cash cow
- soft option
- hard slog
- uphill battle
- thankless job
- tighten one’s belt