Greased palm is a term used to describe the act of bribing someone in order to receive a favor. This phrase has various synonyms, including bribery, corruption, extorting, payola, pay-off, hush money, and kickback. Each of these terms refers to a different aspect of the act of greasing palms.
Bribery is the giving or receiving of something of value to influence a decision, while corruption is dishonest behavior by those in power. Extorting is the use of threats or force to obtain something from someone, while payola is the practice of paying to have something promoted. Pay-off and kickback refer to the payment given in return for a service or favor, and hush money is money given to keep something quiet.
Regardless of the term used, the act of greasing palms is illegal and unethical, and it undermines the fairness and integrity of any system.