beat sweetener
n.— «The New Yorker says White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel is “a political John McEnroe, known for both his mercurial temperament and his tactical brilliance,” yet is also uncommonly indifferent to both criticism and praise. Welcome to the “beat sweetener.” In the early days of any administration, reporters reach out to the men and women who might become their sources over the next four years—then slather them with glowing profiles suitable for framing in their mothers” bedrooms.» —“How media sucks up to White House” by Michael Calderone Politico Mar. 3, 2009. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Linda in Salisbury, North Carolina, wonders why boxing is called the sweet science, since there’s nothing obviously sweet about a bruising sport. This term took hold among British sportswriters in the early 19th century as promoters tried to frame...
A San Diego, California, listener has observed that some advertising slogans that omit the part of speech known as an article, such as Get iPhone 14 Pro or Do what’s best for Baby. The phrasing is intentional. Advertising often relies on a...