oily

Related to oily: Oily skin

live off smell of an oily rag

To live very frugally, economically, or sparingly; to survive with very meager resources. Primarily heard in Australia, New Zealand. I spent a year travelling abroad, and I lived off smell of an oily rag to get by. We're going to have to live off smell of an oily rag now that we have a fourth baby on the way.
See also: live, of, off, oily, rag, smell

live on the smell of an oily rag

To live very frugally, economically, or sparingly; to survive with very meager resources. Primarily heard in Australia, New Zealand. I spent a year travelling abroad, and I lived on the smell of an oily rag to get by. We're going to have to live on the smell of an oily rag now that we have a fourth baby on the way.
See also: live, of, oily, on, rag, smell

run off the smell of an oily rag

Of a motor vehicle, to operate with exceptionally good fuel efficiency. Primarily heard in Australia, New Zealand. This trusty little car may not look like much, but she runs off the smell of an oily rag.
See also: of, off, oily, rag, run, smell

run on the smell of an oily rag

Of a motor vehicle, to operate with exceptionally good fuel efficiency. Primarily heard in Australia, New Zealand. This trusty little car may not look like much, but she runs on the smell of an oily rag.
See also: of, oily, on, rag, run, smell

the smell of an oily rag

A very meager, slim, or frugal amount of resources, especially money or fuel. As in the phrases "live off/on the smell of an oily rag" or "run off/on the smell of an oily rag," respectively. Primarily heard in Australia, New Zealand. I spent a year travelling abroad, and I lived on the smell of an oily rag to get by. This trusty little car may not look like much, but she runs on the smell of an oily rag.
See also: of, oily, rag, smell
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • live off smell of an oily rag
  • live on the smell of an oily rag
  • live on the smell of an oil rag
  • skimp on
  • skimp on (something)
  • scrimp on
  • scrimp on (something)
  • lodging
  • board and lodging
  • brother of the blade
References in periodicals archive
Company Bio: Mattify Cosmetics was founded in 2009 by natural beauty enthusiast Colleen Lindstrom - a seeker of solutions for oily skin and acne prone skin.
Introducing the Mattify Mask Bar: Customizable Face Masks for Oily Skin and Acne
As well as oily fish, a diet high in fresh legumes such as peas and beans was linked with women reaching the menopause around a year later.
Fish can put pause on the menopause; But piling on the carbs may accelerate onset / While fish can
Water can remove most visible dirt and debris, but might not eliminate odors or oily deposits.
Should you wash your hair everyday?
Indeed, so negative are the associations for some people that a friend swears blind that salmon and trout don't count as oily fish on the basis that "they're nice".
2x a week: Why you need to eat oily fish
Oily skin usually leaves a noticeable shine all over the face.
A beginner's guide to skincare: the four basic steps to good skin
If your skin feels tight, it is likely to be dry while oily skin will feel greasy and shiny all over.
Oily, dry or both? What skin are you carrying?
While I appreciate that increased oily fish in the diet will improve symptoms of dry eye, it is also important to be aware that I believe the NHS recommends that women of child bearing age should not consume more than two portions of oily fish a week due to the cumulative effect of pollutant build up and it's risk to any potential developing foetus.
Dietary concerns
Throughout the story, Joe does not remember how he died but knows he blames Oily. Once the story of Joe's death is revealed, it is both emotional and cathartic, while bringing closure to both brothers.
Kessler, Liz. Haunt Me
Therefore it is concluded that bacterial consortium with maize enhanced the rate of degradation of hydrocarbons in oily sludge and can be best suitable to remediate such soil completely.
Enhanced natural rehabilitation of oily sludge with microbial consortium and plants
"Using oily food can be dangerous to health as they are cooked in an open environment, making them prone to various germs and infections.
Medical experts ask to avoid substandard foods
Since I have been using the Tuf Cloth, I have had no further rusting and the tools don't have an oily buildup to attract dust or dirt.
Rust prevention
Found in: Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines.
what to eat to fight..
"If they have oily or acne-prone skin, they think they need [exfoliation] to keep their pores dean, but a lot of times they're just making the breakouts more irritated."
The exfoliate debate
Benefit POREFESSIONAL Primer, PS24.99 This primer is brilliant if you have enlarged pores or an oily T-bar.
RITA ORA; face time
Food and beverage grade Nitrile Hose, made with a high purity, white, nitrile rubber liner, is suitable for a wide variety of applications including milk and dairy products, oily or fatty foods, dry bulk foods, potable water, juices and non-alcoholic beverages.
Food and beverage grade hoses