ENGLISH
REFERENCE

add oil

idiom
Meaning

Synonym of let's go: a cheer of encouragement, support, etc.


Origin

disputed origin

Calque of Chinese 加油 (jiāyóu), particularly in Hong Kong contexts via its Cantonese pronunciation gaa1 jau4-2, sometimes credited to shouts of support during the Macau Grand Prix. Compare cooking with gas, gas up, fuel up, etc.

Examples
SIMPLE

You can do this, add oil!

CONTEXTUAL

The team needs to finish this project by tonight, so add oil everyone.

COMPLEX

As the marathon runners approached the final mile, the crowd shouted loudly to add oil and keep them moving forward.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    add fuel to the fire

    To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.

  2. 02

    add insult to injury

    To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an already unfavorable situation.

  3. 03

    add up

    To make sense; to be reasonable or consistent.

  4. 04

    burn the midnight oil

    To work studiously, especially late into the night.

  5. 05

    oil and water

    Two things which are incapable of mixing or coexisting harmoniously with each other.

  6. 06

    oil burner

    A device whose operation causes apparent combustion of lubricating oil.

  7. 07

    oil trash

    An uncultured, rowdy roughneck employed in the petroleum industry, especially a "white trash" person if used negatively.

  8. 08

    pour oil on troubled waters

    To calm, appease or quiet a person or situation.

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