Hand something to somebody on a plate
phrase
To give something to someone without any effort from their side.
He didn't work hard for his success, everything was handed to him on a plate.
Often appears as...
- hand success to somebody on a plate
- hand opportunity to somebody on a plate
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To make something very easy for someone.
Her parents always handed everything to her on a plate, she never had to struggle.
Often appears as...
- hand achievement to somebody on a plate
- hand wealth to somebody on a plate
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To give something to someone without any effort from their side.
He didn't work hard for his success, everything was handed to him on a plate.
Often appears as...
- hand success to somebody on a plate
- hand opportunity to somebody on a plate
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To make something very easy for someone.
Her parents always handed everything to her on a plate, she never had to struggle.
Often appears as...
- hand achievement to somebody on a plate
- hand wealth to somebody on a plate
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Meaning
This phrase is not about physical objects. It implies receiving benefits without effort.
He was promoted because of his connections, his career was handed to him on a plate.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Resentment
This expression can imply envy or disapproval when someone receives things easily.
She got the job only because of her aunt, it was handed to her on a plate.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's an idiom; don't expect to see someone physically handing over a plate.
Just because he's the boss's son doesn't mean success will be handed to him on a plate.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Meaning
This phrase is not about physical objects. It implies receiving benefits without effort.
He was promoted because of his connections, his career was handed to him on a plate.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Resentment
This expression can imply envy or disapproval when someone receives things easily.
She got the job only because of her aunt, it was handed to her on a plate.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's an idiom; don't expect to see someone physically handing over a plate.
Just because he's the boss's son doesn't mean success will be handed to him on a plate.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Meaning
This phrase is not about physical objects. It implies receiving benefits without effort.
He was promoted because of his connections, his career was handed to him on a plate.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Resentment
This expression can imply envy or disapproval when someone receives things easily.
She got the job only because of her aunt, it was handed to her on a plate.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's an idiom; don't expect to see someone physically handing over a plate.
Just because he's the boss's son doesn't mean success will be handed to him on a plate.
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