A bribe to a politician or other formidable person can also be called a "sop to" this watchdog of Hades
[DOC] [TLE] Download (41MB) - Nottingham ePrints - The University of Nottingham [PAR] back but also a clear illustration of the new practice of direct political ..... infallibly, 
at least as reliably as any other technique that can be devised for a subject ... 
watchdog over educational standards, OFSTED: .....