To facilitate, expedite, ease, or aid something or some process; to make or help things run more smoothly or more easily. Primarily heard in UK. Hopefully this shift in public opinion will help oil the wheels of immigration reform. The clients have been reluctant to sign on for another year, so we're offering a cash incentive to help oil the wheels.

To bribe one (to do or facilitate something), as or as if by slipping money into one's hand. A: "How are we going to get a table without a reservation?" B: "Don't worry, I oiled the hostess' hand, and she promised us a table in no time." I oiled my brother's hand to stop him from telling Mom that I had a party while she was away.

To bribe one (to do or facilitate something), as or as if by slipping money into one's hand. A: "How are we going to get a table without a reservation?" B: "Don't worry, I oiled the hostess' palm, and she promised us a table in no time." I oiled my brother's palm to stop him from telling Mom that I had a party while she was away.

To cover someone or something in oil so as to lubricate them or it in preparation for some task or activity. That bike's been sitting in the shed for months, so make sure you oil up the chain before you take it out again. They oiled the muscly model up so that his pecs and biceps would shine nicely for the photo shoot.

slang To work or study into the very late hours of the night or the very early hours of the next morning. An adaptation of the phrase "burn the midnight oil," which means the same. I tend not to spend too much time studying for exams, typically just oiling it the night before instead. If you keep oiling it this way, you're going to end up digging yourself an early grave!

Said of someone or something that functions very well or efficiently. Trudy and I have been working together in the attendance office for so long, we're like a well-oiled machine at this point.

Someone or something that functions very well or efficiently. Trudy and I have been working together in the attendance office for so long, we're like a well-oiled machine at this point.