gravy train

Etymology
Said to be originally US railroad slang, referring to an easy, short haul that paid well. The word by itself was used prior to any attestable use of gravy train to characterise cushy situations. Note also phrases with as possible source of analogy.

Noun

 * 1)  An occupation or situation that generates considerable income or benefits while requiring little effort and carrying little risk.
 * 2) * 1895 November, (as quoted by Michael Quinion) Courier of Connellsville:
 * Johnston claims that Reuben Nelson and another tall negro were in New Haven the night of the escape and that they broke into the lockup. Johnson further states that the next day Nelson laughingly told him that the New Haven lockup was ‘a gravy train’.
 * Johnston claims that Reuben Nelson and another tall negro were in New Haven the night of the escape and that they broke into the lockup. Johnson further states that the next day Nelson laughingly told him that the New Haven lockup was ‘a gravy train’.

Translations

 * Finnish:, , palkkiovirka
 * French:
 * German: lauer Lenz
 * Hungarian: zsíros állás
 * Icelandic: létt starf, komast á spena
 * Italian: ottenere molto con poco sforzo
 * Lithuanian: auksine zasis
 * Persian: پول مفت
 * Polish: ciepła posadka
 * Portuguese:
 * Russian: тёплое ме́сто (warm place)
 * Slovak: teplé miesto/miestečko
 * Spanish: llevársela fácil
 * Ukrainian: тепле місце