IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishgrease someone's palm
Meaning: To bribe someone.
Example: “The contractor greased a few palms to win the deal.”
Origin: Money as grease that makes things run smoothly. Versions of the phrase are found from the 16th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Polish: wziąć w łapę Literally: To take in the paw
French: Graisser la patte Literally: To grease the paw
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