La ley de plata o plomo
A universal law of survival
plata o plomo Meaning & Origin | Slang by Dictionary.com
Plata o plomo is a Colombian Spanish slang phrase that translates to “silver or lead.
Plata o Plomo (Silver or Lead): How to make a killing in the world of business
Plata o Plomo. It’s Spanish for “Silver or Lead,” a phrase meaning “take the bribe or take the bullet,” essentially: cooperate or be…
Justin Waters
The law of silver or lead is particularly relevant to law enforcement recruitment, retention and hiring. It is in that case to accept the commission of the law enforcement office or face death.
For everyday people or civilians, it's the "choice" or opportunity to find some way to make a living or else die. There are various related expressions of treason, corruption or bribery in English such as demands for a head on a "silver platter."
A "platter" is literally a silver tray, and it seems redundant to call it silver explicitly but that has the meaning of money jingling in the pocket.
18 U.S. Code § 1958 - Use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire
US Code - Title 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 95 > § 1958
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