Grease the wheels

Pro Tip 1/3

Figurative Use

The phrase is never about literal grease or wheels. It's about making situations less difficult.

Networking can grease the wheels for a job seeker.

Pro Tip 2/3

Often Positive

Usually used in a positive context where efforts are made to improve processes or relationships.

Regular team meetings help to grease the wheels of project management.

Pro Tip 3/3

Not Instant

Greasing the wheels implies a process; the action makes future tasks easier, not instantaneous.

Proper planning will grease the wheels when we implement the new system.