The phrase “riding the gravy train” means living an easy life or obtaining a windfall. It may have originated from “everything else is gravy” and is often used to describe luxuries or large amounts of money.
Many people have probably heard things like, “So, you’re riding on the gravy train.” This phrase is generally used interchangeably with terms like “sitting nice” or “living on Easy Street.” It means that a person’s life seems good and seems to be quite easy, as far as the speaker is concerned. People may feel that the subject attracts opportunities or that things fall into their lap when they use the above phrases in reference to the individual’s life or business.
The term gravy train also refers to obtaining a windfall. Another related idiomatic phrase is “meal ticket”. An heir who has inherited a large amount of money or a lottery winner can be said to be riding on the gravy train. Another common use of the term is to describe a person’s ability to make a lot of money with a minimal investment of time, effort, or resources. Acting, singing or otherwise performing, playing professional sports, creating an invention and collecting royalties, or making profitable investments are often considered such activities.
The term riding the gravy train probably originated from phrases like “everything else is gravy,” which people sometimes use to describe a large amount of profit after expenses. Gravy is rich, decadent, and fattening food, and the word is often used to describe luxuries or large amounts of money. A train ride is easy and relaxing, taking a person where they want to go without any effort on their part.
Many times, a turn of phrase comes from common words that can be expanded depending on how they are used or who pronounces them, and gravy is no exception. It is also the name of a nationally branded dry dog food. When mixed in water, the coating on the kibble makes gravy. The term is also used in various song lyrics, as any Pink Floyd fan knows.
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