🚂 The Gravy Train: Riding the Rails to Easy Money 💰
Definition:
The Gravy Train: The good life, obtained with little effort. Originated in railroad slang, where it meant a lucrative route requiring minimal effort.
Synonyms:
- Easy street
- Golden opportunity
- Cash cow
- Money for old rope
- Money hand over fist
Antonyms:
- The hard way
- Struggle bus
- Tightrope walk
- Desert dry
Similar Expressions:
- Free ride: Enjoying benefits without exerting effort.
- Winning the lottery: Gaining large benefits with little prior investment.
- Fell into a goldmine: Stumbling upon a highly profitable opportunity.
Example in Literature:
“There was a moment . . . when the whole Jocelyn sideshow seemed to be boarding the gravy train . . . on to fatter triumphs.” — The Groves of Academe by Mary McCarthy (1953)
Humorous Quote:
“Some people think they’ve boarded the gravy train; others think they have a ticket but are still waiting at the platform.”
Proverbs:
- “No pain, no gain”: Highlighting that achieving significant accomplishments typically requires effort.
- “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
References:
- The Groves of Academe by Mary McCarthy (1953)
- “Easy Street,” song by Annie’s Miss Hannigan 👍🎵
Suggested Literature:
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A deeper dive into the opulence and moral bankruptcy of the 1920s.
- Along the Road by Aldous Huxley: For reflections on the journey of life and its various paths.
Suggested Movies:
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): A look at the excesses and downfalls connected with chasing the gravy train in the financial sector.
- Catch Me If You Can (2002): The story of a con artist and his ability to repeatedly scam his way into lucrative situations.
Inspirational Thought:
“Chasing the gravy should never make one lose sight of brewing the hearty stew, where what really satisfies is made of diligent work and profound purpose.”
Farewell, word lover. Remember, while the gravy train might promise an easy journey, the most fulfilling travels are often those earned through honest and hard work. 🚂💡
— Lola Languinista
