This idiom suggests that the most noticeable or persistent problems, complaints, or demands are the ones most likely to receive attention or resolution, much like a squeaky wheel on a cart that prompts oiling to silence it. It conveys the advantage of vocal persistence, often used in social, workplace, or customer service contexts to highlight how assertiveness garners results. The phrase carries a tone of pragmatic advice or mild critique, reflecting cultural values of initiative and the human tendency to prioritize what demands attention. Its mechanical imagery evokes a tactile, practical solution, resonating in scenarios where silence risks neglect. The idiom can imply both empowerment for the proactive and a subtle critique of systems that reward noise over merit, making it a versatile metaphor for navigating attention and resources.

The phrase originated in 19th-century America, rooted in the practical mechanics of wagons and machinery, where squeaky wheels literally required grease to function smoothly. Its earliest recorded use is attributed to American humorist Josh Billings in his 1870 poem *The Kicker*, which includes the line, ‘The wheel that squeaks the loudest is the one that gets the grease.’ The idiom gained traction in the early 20th century, particularly during industrialization, when mechanical metaphors resonated widely, as seen in factory management texts and union rhetoric. It spread through newspapers and literature, notably in *The Saturday Evening Post* (1920s), which used it to describe customer complaints. Its adoption in Britain and Commonwealth countries followed American cultural influence, and its enduring use stems from its vivid imagery and applicability to advocacy, from workplace dynamics to consumer rights.