grease (one's) hand

grease (one's) hand

To bribe someone discreetly by slipping money into their hand. A: "How are we going to get a table without a reservation?" B: "Don't worry, I greased the hostess' hand, and she promised us a table in no time." I greased my brother's hand to stop him from telling mom that I had a party while she was away.See also: grease, hand