Dictionary

on a silver platter en · ADP

Meanings

1. (idiomatic) Being given something too easily, especially more than one deserves.
   • On the other hand, the youth should not wait for an invitation to be active and for readymade programs and plans of actions presented to them on a silver platter. The youth themselves should demonstrate initiative.. 1973, United States Joint Publications Research Service, Translations on Near East and North Africa - Issues 878-886, Joint Publications Research Service, page 73:
   • The plainest and simplest is that it is "up to" the automobile workers themselves. Quite obviously, "nothing is going to be handed to them on a silver platter!" Their intelligence, courage and solidarity must answer the question which modern industry puts to them. 1908, Pamphlets on Trade Unions - Volume 1, page 56:
   • It is such awkward moves that create frustration within the coalition and, at the same time, present the arguments to the Opposition on a silver platter. 1990, Foreign Broadcast Information Service, Daily Report. West Europe, Foreign Broadcast Information Service, page 41:
   • Even as the investigator was handing Dartmouth over to him on a silver platter, Goody was whining and complaining, defending himself against the constant and wholly imaginary threat of being taken advantage of. 2012, Gar Anthony Haywood, It's Not a Pretty Sight, Open Road Media, →ISBN, page 32:

Relateds

on a platter · on a plate