English
Etymology
The word gravy by itself was used prior to the invention of gravy train as an interjection of pleasure at something that's easy to do with a great reward, or as an adjective to describe 'cushy' situations.
Noun
wikipedia
en-noun|sg=gravy train
#idiom An occupation or any lucrative endeavor that generates considerable income whilst requiring little effort and carrying little risk.
#idiompolitics A gorging on luxuries, since someone else foots the bill.
Quotations
1895. Courier of Connellsville, November 1895 (as quoted by Michael Quinion):
:Johnston claims that Reuben Nelson and another tall negro were in New Haven 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'. "
1975. w:Pink Floyd|Pink Floyd. Have a Cigar (song):
:And did we tell you the name of the game, boy, we call it riding the gravy train.
References
Gravy, Etymology Online.
Gravy train, Michael Quinion, World Wide Words © Quinion, 1996�2007.
Category:English phrases
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