grease

 
Pronunciation: /griːs/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1a thick oily substance, especially as used as a lubricant: axle grease
  • 2animal fat used or produced in cooking: the kitchen walls were black with grease and filth

verb

Pronunciation: /griːs, griːz/
[with object]
  • smear or lubricate with grease: grease a shallow baking dish (as adjective greased) a greased baking sheet

Phrases

grease the palm of

informal bribe (someone): the branch is alleged to have greased the palms of 130 politicians
[grease expressing the sense 'cause to run smoothly' and palm, by association with the taking of money]

grease the wheels (or skids)

informal, chiefly North American help matters run smoothly: he used his budgetary skills to grease the skids for new projects

like greased lightning

see lightning.

Derivatives

greaseless

adjective

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French graisse, based on Latin crassus 'thick, fat'