ENGLISH
REFERENCE

golden parachute

idiom
Meaning

An agreement between a company and an employee, usually an executive, specifying that the employee will receive certain significant benefits if employment is terminated.


Examples
SIMPLE

The CEO received a golden parachute when he left the company.

CONTEXTUAL

Many employees were angry that the departing executive received a massive golden parachute while the rest of the staff faced layoffs.

COMPLEX

Critics often argue that a generous golden parachute encourages reckless risk-taking by executives, as they remain financially protected even if their strategic decisions lead to corporate failure.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    golden age

    A period of happiness, peace, prosperity, and great progress.

  2. 02

    golden goose

    Something that generates much profit or gives great advantages.

  3. 03

    golden handcuffs

    Any arrangement or agreement designed to provide extremely favorable benefits or pay, so as to discourage a participant from choosing to leave it, especially to retain a choice employee in a role that is unpleasant to them.

  4. 04

    golden handshake

    A generous severance payment, especially as an inducement to leave employment.

  5. 05

    golden hello

    A payment offered to an employee as an inducement to join, especially if currently working for a competitor.

  6. 06

    golden mean

    A position of balance between excess and deficiency.

  7. 07

    golden opportunity

    Ideal moment to do something.

  8. 08

    golden rule

    A fundamental rule or principle.

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