Gravy train
/ˈɡreɪvi treɪn/informalUK · US
What does “Gravy train” mean?
Gravy train means a source of easy money with little effort
A generous contract that pays the same amount for very little work might be called a gravy train. The speaker thinks the reward is too easy.
A well-paid job is not automatically a gravy train. The phrase adds a judgement about effort, fairness or both.
When do people say it?
Usually a criticism of people earning comfortably without doing much to deserve it. It may suggest unfair advantage, but not necessarily illegal activity.
“That contract was a gravy train: they paid us even when nothing needed doing.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
“Gravy” has an informal sense of easy money. The train image suggests being carried along while the rewards keep coming.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Gravy train” in other languages?
Last updated 2026-11-04