Monday, January 12, 2026

What’s a ’gravy train'?

This expression sounds like something you'd find on a holiday dinner table, so how did it become a metaphor for getting rich quickly?
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Idioms

Why is it called a 'gravy train'?

This expression sounds like something you'd find on a holiday dinner table, so how did it become a metaphor for getting rich quickly?

Money coins raining into human hands

I f you know your idioms, you know that a "gravy train" can be a sweet place to be. This expression refers to a job or situation that provides easy money with little or no effort. By definition, "gravy train" means "a much exploited source of easy money," as in, "He's been riding the gravy train ever since joining that startup."

The idiom is typically used to suggest that the rewards might not be entirely deserved, or that something questionable is happening behind the scenes. But it can also simply mean that someone is being well paid for relatively little effort. So, when did a metaphorical train come into the picture? 

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Yarn emoji

Yarn

Meaning: Depicts a ball of yarn or wool, typically used in knitting and crochet contexts.


Evolution: When it was added in 2018, the yarn emoji quickly gained popularity with crafters. Most platforms show it as a red or pink ball with a loose tail of yarn, though colors vary by platform.


Usage: [Caption on a reel showing progress of a knitting project:] Starting a new sweater! 🧢✨

A House Between Sea and Sky by Beth Cato

A House Between Sea and Sky

This is a cozy fantasy novel for fans of magical realism, starring a sentient cliffside home in the California seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. In 1926, a writer and a silent film star stumble upon this mysterious house when seeking refuge from a storm. In its own way, the house welcomes them to stay, and they make themselves at home while investigating the mysterious (and possibly sinister) origins of the dwelling.

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10 Uncommon Words To Describe Common Emotions

If basic words such as "happy" and "sad" aren't quite cutting it, then take a look at these unusual words to describe otherwise common emotions. 

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