gravy train

Meaning

Noun

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

Origin

• The word gravy by itself was used prior to any attestable use of gravy train to characterise cushy situations. It is a shortening of the phrase riding the gravy train, rather than train referring to "a transportation vehicle that carries a number of people going the same way" or "to teach people".