gravy train meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

gravy train

noun

Etymology Said to be originally US railroad slang, referring to an easy, short haul that paid well. The word gravy by itself was used prior to any attestable use of gravy train to characterize cushy situations. Note also phrases with hog train as a possible source of analogy.

Idiomatic An occupation or situation that generates considerable income or benefits while requiring little effort and carrying little risk.

Johnston claims that Reuben Nelson and another tall negro were in New Haven the night of the escape and that they broke into the lockup. Johnson further states that the next day Nelson laughingly told him that the New Haven lockup was ‘a gravy train’.1895 November, (as quoted by Michael Quinion) Courier of Connellsville
Of course these foreigners want to come to America. […] To them America is the land of the free ride; and they want to climb aboard the gravy train, even though that means abandoning their friends and neighbors, the ashes of their fathers and the temples of their gods, to a struggle to which they themselves are no longer equal.1949, William Van O'Connor, American Quarterly, page 38:

4 more examples

Hatcher derailed the gravy train by consolidating City Hall operations into five general departments headed by three special assistants and two members of the Board of Works.1970 December, Alex Poinsett, “Is There a Plot to Kill Mayor Hatcher?”, in Ebony, volume 26, number 2, Johnson Publishing, →ISSN, page 146:
And did we tell you the name of the game, boy? / We call it riding the gravy train1975, Roger Waters, “Have a Cigar”, in Wish You Were Here, performed by Pink Floyd:
Freeloaders are a prime example of the people that will repeatedly burn you if they have the chance. […] They would much rather find someone with a generous nature, and ride that gravy train till the gravy runs out.2005, Kevin Craig, Hey Stranger! Letters from an All-American Loudmouth, →ISBN:
This whole gay marriage clamor is really about spousal and other benefits that this welfare state provider has made so enticing. It's only natural that everybody wants to get on a gravy train or ride a free horse.2006, Freddie L. Sirmans, Can the US Survive Doomsday, →ISBN, page 19:

Related terms: cushy number, golden goose, gold mine