# oil burner

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/oil-burner
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A device whose operation causes apparent combustion of lubricating oil.

## Examples

- My old car is a real oil burner.
- The mechanic warned me that the engine is an oil burner, so I must check the levels often.
- Despite the vintage charm of the vehicle, its status as a notorious oil burner necessitated frequent maintenance and constant vigilance regarding exhaust emissions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.