on a silver platter
Definition
The meaning: On a silver platter is an idiom that means something is given or offered to someone very easily, without the person having to work for it or make an effort.
La signification : "On a silver platter" signifie qu’on offre quelque chose à quelqu’un très facilement, sans qu’il ait à fournir d’effort ou à le mériter.
For example: "She got that job on a silver platter because her father owns the company."
This expression is often used when talking about people receiving unfair advantages or being handed opportunities without earning them.
Word Analysis
French equivalents »» Sur un plateau d’argent »» Offrir sur un plateau »» Donner sans effort »» Cadeau tombé du ciel Ⓐ On lui a offert le poste sur un plateau d’argent. Ⓑ Tout lui tombe tout cuit dans le bec. English equivalents »» Handed to (someone) easily »» Gift‐wrapped opportunity »» Given without effort »» Landed in (someone’s) lap Ⓐ The promotion was handed to her on a silver platter. Ⓑ He didn’t earn that win — it was given to him on a silver platter.
Dialogue
Student: "How did Marcus get into such a prestigious school?" Friend: "His uncle is on the board — they gave him admission on a silver platter!"
Etymology
Origin: The phrase on a silver platter likely originates from the idea of serving something luxurious or valuable in an extravagant way. A silver platter symbolises wealth, privilege, and ease of access. The idiom suggests being offered something valuable without needing to ask or work for it.
Modern Usage: The expression is now commonly used to describe people who receive opportunities or rewards easily, especially due to connections, luck, or privilege.
Connotation: It can carry a negative tone, implying that the person didn’t deserve what they received.
Grammar Note: This is a fixed idiomatic phrase. You typically use it with the verb "give" or "hand": "The answer was given to her on a silver platter."
Audience
"On a silver platter" is suitable for both spoken and written English, including news, business, and everyday conversation.
When to use: Use it when describing situations where someone receives something too easily, often due to privilege, connections, or luck. For example: "He didn’t build his empire — it was handed to him on a silver platter."
Dictionary Meaning
The Free Dictionary defines it as "Delivered or given to one, without having put forth much or any effort." Example: "Of course the CEO's daughter got the job without having to interview — she gets everything on a silver platter."
News Snippet
"Even though the #FeesMustFall types tell us they are not interested in history or about our contribution to the Struggle, we must continue to inform, educate and instil in our own children these histories, because if we do not, they might just grow up thinking that this Freedom we hold so dear came to all of us on a silver platter."
[Read the article at The Daily Maverick)
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "On a Silver Platter"
On a silver platter
Given or received without effort; handed something easily or undeservedly.
Example: "He didn’t earn it—it was handed to him on a silver platter."
Served on a silver platter
To receive something valuable or desirable without having to work for it.
Example: "She got the promotion served on a silver platter because of her connections."
Handed to someone on a plate
(UK variant) Given something without effort; similar to "on a silver platter."
Example: "The victory was handed to them on a plate after their opponents forfeited."
Easy as pie
Extremely easy or effortless.
Example: "The test was easy as pie—I didn’t even have to study."
Free ride
Getting benefits without contributing or working for them.
Example: "He’s been getting a free ride at this job for years."
Born with a silver spoon in one's mouth
Born into wealth and privilege without needing to earn it.
Example: "She never struggled financially—she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth."
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