squeaky wheel en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
Etymology
From the proverb "the squeaky wheel gets the grease"/oil.
Meanings
-
A complainer; one who speaks out when there are problems (often pejorative).
When I went to those who we needed to get the resources from, I got the title of being the squeaky wheel. Everyone is not going to be a squeaky wheel, but I believe that if we want something and are persistent enough, we will get it...
1997, Lauch Faircloth, editor, Hud Rebuilding and Loan Guaranty Program:
-
Of several problems, the most apparent or the most urgent.
And it is pretty hard to get government, as you know, ahead of the curve. We always respond to the squeaky wheel when things get bad, but you know, clearly there is food for thought in the observation of where we are in our commodity industries.
1999, State of the Petroleum Industry; Hearing the Committee on Energy & Natural Resources, U.S. Senate:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| squeaky wheels | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Synonyms
whiner · spokesperson · troublemaker
Translations (5)
pl największy problem (the most urgent problem) · pl kwękaczka (one who complains) · pl kwękacz (one who complains) · fi marisija (one who complains) · fi päällimmäinen ongelma (the most urgent problem)