a/the squeaky wheel gets the grease/oil

idiom

used to say that someone who complains or causes problems is more likely to receive attention or help than someone who stays quiet and does not cause problems

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Cite this Entry

“A/the squeaky wheel gets the grease/oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%2Fthe%20squeaky%20wheel%20gets%20the%20grease%2Foil. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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