Definition of "blat" in English

verb

1. (intransitive) To cry, as a calf or sheep; bleat.

2. (intransitive) To make a senseless noise.

3. To talk inconsiderately; blab.

4. To produce an overrich or overblown sound on a brass instrument such as a trumpet, trombone, or tuba.

5. (transitive) To utter loudly or foolishly; blurt.

noun

1. The Soviet system of connections and social relationships; one's social or business network (in Russian or Soviet society).

   • To open a new business in Russia you need blat.
   • The distinction between the use of blat for personal enrichment and for smoothing the work of the enterprise was emphasized in the interview testimony. […] The supply agent, for example, often has large quantities of money at his disposal for arranging his blat, much of which he might use for himself but which he devotes instead to making deals of advantage to the enterprise.