PhrasesHub

The squeaky wheel gets the grease

    Definitions

      • to get attention
        To emphasize the importance of making one's needs or complaints known in order to receive assistance or resolution

      • to be the most vocal or noticeable
        To highlight the effectiveness of being the loudest or most persistent in order to achieve a desired outcome or result

      • to be the most problematic or troublesome
        To highlight the tendency for those who make the most noise or cause the most trouble to receive the most attention or assistance

    Examples of The squeaky wheel gets the grease

    • Sarah's car was making a loud noise, so she brought it to the mechanic's shop. The mechanic told her that the wheel bearing was faulty and needed to be replaced. Sarah knew that she had to take care of the issue as soon as possible, so she followed up with the mechanic and made sure that the repair was done promptly. She didn't want to wait until the problem became worse and more expensive to fix.

      The idiom "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" means that people are more likely to pay attention to and address the concerns of those who are vocal and persistent about their needs. In this example, Sarah's car was making a loud noise, which was the "squeaky wheel" in this scenario. By bringing the issue to the mechanic's attention and following up, Sarah was able to get the repairs she needed in a timely manner.

    • The company's marketing department had been complaining about the lack of resources and support for months. The CEO finally took notice and allocated more funds and personnel to the department. The marketing team was delighted and grateful for the attention they received.

      In this example, the marketing department was the "squeaky wheel" because they had been vocal about their needs and concerns. The CEO's response, which involved addressing their issues, is an example of the idiom "the squeaky wheel gets the grease."

    • The sales team had been struggling to meet their targets for several months. The manager called a meeting to address the issue and asked each team member to share their ideas for improving performance. The team came up with several actionable steps, and the manager implemented them immediately. The sales team's performance improved significantly, and they exceeded their targets for the next quarter.

      In this example, the sales team was the "squeaky wheel" because they had been vocal about their struggles and the need for improvement. The manager's response, which involved actively seeking out solutions and implementing them, is an example of the idiom "the squeaky wheel gets the grease."

    • The customer had been experiencing issues with the product for weeks, but the company's customer service department had been slow to respond. The customer contacted the CEO directly and explained the situation. The CEO immediately intervened and instructed the customer service team to prioritize the customer's issue. The customer was impressed with the CEO's responsiveness and praised the company for its customer-centric approach.

      In this example, the customer was the "squeaky wheel" because they had been persistent in seeking a resolution to their issue. The CEO's response, which involved taking immediate action, is an example of the idiom "the squeaky wheel gets the grease."

    • The employee had been working on a project for several months, but her supervisor had been unresponsive to her requests for feedback and support. The employee contacted the CEO directly and explained the situation. The CEO recognized the employee's hard work and dedication and instructed the supervisor to provide the necessary support. The employee was grateful for the CEO's intervention and felt empowered to continue working on the project.

      In this example, the employee was the "squeaky wheel" because she had been persistent in seeking support for her project. The CEO's response, which involved taking action to address the issue, is an example of the idiom "the squeaky wheel gets the grease."


    Conclusion

    The idiom "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" refers to the idea that the one who makes the most noise or draws the most attention is the one who receives special treatment or assistance. This can be applied to various situations, such as in a workplace where an employee who constantly speaks up about their needs or complaints may receive more attention from their superiors. It can also be used in a more negative context, where someone who causes trouble or creates a fuss may receive more attention and help than others.

    Origin of "The squeaky wheel gets the grease"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when it was first used in the United States. At that time, it was often used in the context of machinery, where a squeaky wheel would indicate a need for lubrication in order to function properly. Over time, the phrase became more widely used to refer to any situation where the most noticeable or vocal person receives the most attention or assistance.

    Some believe that the idiom may also have roots in the proverb "the early bird catches the worm," as both phrases emphasize the idea of being proactive and assertive in order to achieve a desired outcome. Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom has become a common phrase used to encourage people to speak up and make their needs or complaints known in order to receive assistance or attention.