on a silver platter
on a silver platter
Meaning
- to get something without having to work for it
- to receive something without having to put in much effort
- presenting something in a formal fashion
Example Sentences
- She has never had to work a day in her life. Her parents hand her everything on a silver platter.
- He is so good looking that he gets everything on a silver platter.
- I can’t believe that you didn’t finish the project. I handed you the information on a silver platter.
- My boss is coming over for dinner tonight. I will have to present all of the food on a silver platter.
- My plates aren’t good enough for my mother in law. She wants everything served on a silver platter.
Origin
When something is served on a silver platter it automatically seems to be more impressive. The connotation is between a rich person not having to do anything but a butler will hand them everything on a platter. They don’t have to put in any effort from their side. They don’t even have to reach for it themselves.
Silver is expensive and if you are handed something on a silver platter it indicates that the platter is expensive. It is often implied that people who are very well-off do not perform manual labour. The act of getting something for themselves is unheard of. Therefore, it is handed to them. If someone is wealthy they are often said to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth, indicating that they are used to expensive things.
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