squeaking wheel gets the oil

the squeaking wheel gets the oil

proverb The person complaining or protesting the loudest or most frequently is the one who will receive the most attention from others. My sister makes a point of writing letters of complaint to businesses whenever she has an issue with their service, and nine times out of ten, she's rewarded with some kind of discount or gift. I guess it's true—the squeaking wheel gets the oil. I try to support all my departments and employees equally, but the squeaking wheels always end up getting the oil.

See also: get, oil, squeak, wheel

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

squeaking wheel gets the oil

 and squeaky wheel gets the oil

Prov. People who complain the most will get attention or what they want. If you don't get good service at the hotel, make sure to tell the manager that you're dissatisfied. The squeaking wheel gets the oil.

See also: get, oil, squeak, wheel

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.