The phrase "sweetening kitty" can be used as a way to describe bribing or offering something enticing in exchange for a favor or good behavior. There are several synonyms for this phrase, including "grease someone's palm," "payola," "bribe," and "incentive." Other similar phrases include "carrot and stick," "positive reinforcement," and "inducement." These phrases all refer to some form of reward or offering that is used as a means to motivate or persuade someone. While the ethics of using such strategies may be debatable, these phrases remain popular in many industries, including politics, business, and entertainment.