the squeaky wheel gets the grease

also the squeaky wheel gets the oil

Meaning

to get something fixed, it is required to make a noise to get attention

the one who complains gets their issues fixed

to get attention be loud and noticeable not quiet

Example Sentences

My younger brother got far more stuff from my parents when we were kids because the squeaky wheel gets the grease. The little brat got me to buy him two more presents on the way. It works for him because the squeaky wheel gets the grease. This lawyer is more successful probably because the squeaky wheel gets the grease. In a competitive industry such as this one, you should know that only the squeaky wheel gets the grease. She got the promotion even though there were two more deserving candidates because the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Origin

The phrase originates with the invention of the car and it being something that was adopted quickly by every household in America. When people were new to having them though, it was only when a wheel would squeak that it would be greased since nobody was used to the servicing of cars as often, back then. It has since become a synonym for someone who complains to get the goodies and is a popular phrase in regular parlance all over the world.

the pen is mightier than the sword ❯❮ when the going gets tough, the tough get going