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Gravy Train is a colloquial term often used in business and economics to refer to a situation where large profits are made with little effort. The term is derived from the ease and comfort of traveling by a train, where the journey is smooth and requires no effort from the passengers. The term is often used in a negative context, implying that the profits are undeserved or unethical.

Origin

The term "gravy train" originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is believed to have been first used in print in 1914 in the newspaper The Van Wert Daily Bulletin, where it was used to describe easy, profitable work. The term was popularized during the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic prosperity in the U.S. and Western Europe.

Usage

In business and economics, "gravy train" is often used to describe a situation where a person or organization is making a lot of money, often in an easy or unethical way. For example, a company that is making large profits from a monopoly or a person who is making money from insider trading could be said to be on the "gravy train".

In politics, "gravy train" is often used to criticize politicians or government officials who are perceived to be profiting from their positions. For example, a politician who receives large campaign donations from corporations or a government official who receives a high salary and generous benefits could be accused of riding the "gravy train".

Criticism

Critics of the "gravy train" concept argue that it promotes a negative view of success and profit. They argue that it implies that all large profits are undeserved or unethical, which is not always the case. Some people or organizations may make large profits because they provide a valuable product or service, or because they have worked hard and taken risks.

See also

• Economic rent
• Rent-seeking
• Profit (economics)
• Monopoly