casting couch

Definitions

1. The now illegal practice of soliciting sexual favors from a job applicant in exchange for employment, particularly in the entertainment industry.
   euphemistic
2. An actual couch or sofa used for this practice.
   slang

Equivalents

Examples

“...when a writing test⟳ at a radio station turned into the casting-couch routine. She was typing a piece of copy⟳ when she realized the station manager had locked the door and was caressing her shoulders.”

“What the term "casting couch" hints at is that roles or jobs are given in exchange⟳ for sexual favors.”

“casting couch: This refers to the alleged practice by some Hollywood producers and directors of furnishing an office with a couch, upon which would-be actresses perform⟳ special services in return⟳ for casting consideration...”

“It wasn’t sexual assault, Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers argue⟳ in his defense, just the casting couch, with benefits for everyone who took a seat.”

“There was a wide damask covered divan in a shadowy corner, like⟳ a casting couch.”

CEFR level