grease
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a thick, oily substance, often from animal fat or used to lubricate machines.
n.any thick, oily, or fatty matter, particularly animal fat in a soft state or petroleum-based lubricants.
Simple“The mechanic wiped the black grease off his hands with a rag.”
In context“The industrial machinery required a specific type of high-temperature grease to prevent the gears from seizing during prolonged operation.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
v.to put oil or fat on something so it moves easily or doesn't stick.
v.to apply grease or fat to a surface, typically to reduce friction or to prepare a surface for cooking.
Simple“You should grease the baking tin before you pour in the cake mix.”
In context“The technician had to grease the hinges of the heavy hangar doors to ensure they opened silently during the night shift.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to give someone money secretly so they will help you.
v.to bribe someone in order to facilitate a desired outcome; often used in the phrase 'grease someone's palm'.
Simple“He had to grease a few palms to get the building permit approved quickly.”
In context“The investigation revealed that the contractor had been greasing the palms of local officials for years to secure lucrative government tenders.”
Synonymsbribepay off - 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to land an airplane very smoothly.
v.to perform an exceptionally smooth landing, where the transition from flight to ground contact is barely perceptible.
Simple“The pilot managed to grease the landing despite the strong crosswinds.”
In context“Even with the gusty conditions at the airport, the captain managed to grease the landing, much to the relief of the nervous passengers.”
UsageCommonly used by pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
Synonymssmooth landingAntonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
v.to kill someone.
v.to murder or assassinate someone.
Simple“In the movie, the mobster threatened to grease anyone who talked to the police.”
In context“The gritty crime novel depicted a world where rivals were greased over the slightest perceived insult to a gang leader's reputation.”
From Middle English grece, from Anglo-Norman grece, from Vulgar Latin *grassia, noun derived from Latin crassus (“fat, thick”). Doublet of crass.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.