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> squeaky wheel

Somebody who makes trouble and gets noticed for it.

> gets the oil

Is subjected to 'corrective measures.'

It's another way of saying the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.

No, it's not. It means if you make your case yourself instead of waiting to be noticed, you are more likely to be rewarded.

Grease isn't necessarily a reward, just something to make it quiet. It's been reinterpreted for sure, but wheels aren't bothered by them making noise, why would they care about grease?

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