What does the phrase the squeaky wheel gets the grease?

Definition of a/the squeaky wheel gets the grease/oil —used to say that someone who complains or causes problems is more likely to receive attention or help than someone who stays quiet and does not cause problems.

Where did the saying the squeaky wheel gets the oil come from?

The current version of this idiom, with its allusion to a wagon wheel that needs oiling, is ascribed to American humorist Josh Billings (1818-1885) in a poem, "The Kicker": "I hate to be a kicker [complainer], I always long for peace, But the wheel that does the squeaking Is the one that gets the grease." However, the ...

What is the opposite of the squeaky wheel gets the grease?

The opposite is "the squeaky wheel gets the grease". ... "the squeaky wheel" is about someone who complains. But "tall poppy" is someone who is talented. No contradiction between punishing talented people, and serving those who complain.

What is the squeaky wheel syndrome?

As I learned in one business in particular when I was just out of college, squeaky wheel syndrome can infect an organization. So, we've all heard the saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” This means that the person who fusses or argues or pitches a fit is often the one that gets what they're asking to receive.

Where did the saying the squeaky wheel gets the oil come from?

The current version of this idiom, with its allusion to a wagon wheel that needs oiling, is ascribed to American humorist Josh Billings (1818-1885) in a poem, "The Kicker": "I hate to be a kicker [complainer], I always long for peace, But the wheel that does the squeaking Is the one that gets the grease." However, the ...

What is the opposite of the squeaky wheel gets the grease?

The opposite is "the squeaky wheel gets the grease". ... "the squeaky wheel" is about someone who complains. But "tall poppy" is someone who is talented. No contradiction between punishing talented people, and serving those who complain.

What is the squeaky wheel syndrome?

As I learned in one business in particular when I was just out of college, squeaky wheel syndrome can infect an organization. So, we've all heard the saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” This means that the person who fusses or argues or pitches a fit is often the one that gets what they're asking to receive.

What does it mean when someone says the squeaky wheel gets the oil?

The squeaky wheel gets the grease is an American proverb or metaphor used to convey the idea that the most noticeable (or loudest) problems are the ones most likely to get attention. ... Other variations exist, and suggest that loudness gets attention, and prolongs the life of the hub.

Who said squeaky wheel gets the grease?

The origin of the squeaky wheel idiom is unknown, but its current form is attributed to American humorist Josh Billings who is said to have popularized it in his putative poem “The Kicker” written in 1870.

What is the opposite of the squeaky wheel gets the grease?

The opposite is "the squeaky wheel gets the grease". ... "the squeaky wheel" is about someone who complains. But "tall poppy" is someone who is talented. No contradiction between punishing talented people, and serving those who complain.

What is the meaning of the phrase the squeaky wheel gets the grease as it is used in this sentence?

—used to say that someone who complains or causes problems is more likely to receive attention or help than someone who stays quiet and does not cause problems.

Where does the term the squeaky wheel gets the grease come from?

The phrase originates with the invention of the car and it being something that was adopted quickly by every household in America. When people were new to having them though, it was only when a wheel would squeak that it would be greased since nobody was used to the servicing of cars as often, back then.

Who said squeaky wheel gets the grease?

The origin of the squeaky wheel idiom is unknown, but its current form is attributed to American humorist Josh Billings who is said to have popularized it in his putative poem “The Kicker” written in 1870.

What is the squeaky wheel syndrome?

As I learned in one business in particular when I was just out of college, squeaky wheel syndrome can infect an organization. So, we've all heard the saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” This means that the person who fusses or argues or pitches a fit is often the one that gets what they're asking to receive.

Is it bad to be the squeaky wheel?

A squeaky wheel may not be our best or even top 20% performer, but absorbs more than 20% of our attention. This disproportionate hijacking of time and resources allows the squeaky wheel to continue his or her behavior and take away from others in need. Dealing with squeaky wheels is a balancing act.

Who first said the squeaky wheel gets the grease?

The first known use of the expression the squeaky wheel gets the grease in print is found in Josh Billings' poem, The Kicker, published in 1870: “But the wheel that squeaks the loudest, Is the one that gets the grease.”

Where does the saying squeaky wheel gets the grease come from?

The phrase originates with the invention of the car and it being something that was adopted quickly by every household in America. When people were new to having them though, it was only when a wheel would squeak that it would be greased since nobody was used to the servicing of cars as often, back then.

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