run on the smell of an oily rag

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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • run off the smell of an oily rag
  • a whale of a
  • stupid fresh
  • think (someone) hung the moon and the stars
  • have a charmed life
  • lead/have a charmed life
  • Mary Sue
  • bigger they are, the harder they fall
  • the bigger they come, the harder they fall