🎰 The Art of Wheelin’ and Dealin’: From Roulette to Boardroom Schemes 💼
Definition
To wheel and deal: To operate or manipulate for one’s own profit; engage in clever, shrewd, and often unscrupulous bargaining or maneuvering.
Origins and Evolution
While some might picture a “wheeler-dealer” in a back room, cigar in mouth, betting it all on red at a Wild West casino, the phrase’s more accepted commercialization and use didn’t bloom until considerably later. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) placed its first citation around 1960. The central idea links to turning someone into “a wheel” or “big wheel,” implying movers, shakers, and heavy hitters.
R. Dentry’s 1971 book, Encounter at Kharmel, solidified its modern connotation: “In other words, if we agree to shut up, you’ll wheel and deal some pin money for us.”
Related and Similar Terms
- Machiavellian: Crafty, cunning, and unscrupulous, especially in politics.
- Schemer: A planner of underhanded activities.
- Entrepreneur: A person who organizes and operates a business, taking on financial risks.
- Bigwig: An important person in an organization.
- Rainmaker: A person who generates income, often for a company, often through attracting clients or investments.
Proverbs and Common Phrases
- “You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.” An encouragement to cooperate and exchange favors.
- “All’s fair in love and war.” Justifying or excusing unscrupulous behavior to achieve a goal.
- “Cutting corners.” Doing things quickly by leaving out necessary but less visible steps.
Witty Quotes
“It’s not about ideas, it’s about making ideas happen.” – Scott Belsky.
“Behind every great fortune there is a crime.” – Mario Puzo (The Godfather).
Recommended References in Literature, Songs, and Movies
- Literature: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – A critique of the Jazz Age and those who meddled for fortune.
- Movie: The Wolf of Wall Street – A closer look at extravagant and almost caricature-like wheeling and dealing.
- Song: “Money” by Pink Floyd – A poignant reflection on how money manipulates actions and perceptions.
Quiz Time!
May you find just enough shrewdness in your dealings, a touch of flair in your negotiations, and always remember: life can be a game of chess, but shrewdly playing within the rules might just be the best move.
- Shifty S. Schemer
