Oil the wheels
verb phrase
To make something run smoothly or operate well, often by helping two or more things or people work together.
His job as a coordinator is to oil the wheels of the team's communication.
Often appears as...
- oil the wheels of communication
- oil the wheels of cooperation
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To bribe someone to do something or make a process easier.
He oiled the wheels by secretly giving the official some money.
Often appears as...
- oil the wheels with money
- oil the wheels with a favor
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb phrase
To make something run smoothly or operate well, often by helping two or more things or people work together.
His job as a coordinator is to oil the wheels of the team's communication.
Often appears as...
- oil the wheels of communication
- oil the wheels of cooperation
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To bribe someone to do something or make a process easier.
He oiled the wheels by secretly giving the official some money.
Often appears as...
- oil the wheels with money
- oil the wheels with a favor
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Teamwork Enhancement
Use when describing actions that improve group cooperation and success in tasks or projects.
Regular team-building exercises help oil the wheels of our project's progress.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Impact
Emphasizes the beneficial effects someone or something contributes to the function of a system.
Her extensive experience really oiled the wheels of the new marketing campaign.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Usage
No actual oil or wheels involved; it's about making processes smoother metaphorically.
Clear instructions oil the wheels of assembly for the new furniture.
Pro Tip 1/3Teamwork Enhancement
Use when describing actions that improve group cooperation and success in tasks or projects.
Regular team-building exercises help oil the wheels of our project's progress.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Impact
Emphasizes the beneficial effects someone or something contributes to the function of a system.
Her extensive experience really oiled the wheels of the new marketing campaign.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Usage
No actual oil or wheels involved; it's about making processes smoother metaphorically.
Clear instructions oil the wheels of assembly for the new furniture.
Pro Tip 1/3Teamwork Enhancement
Use when describing actions that improve group cooperation and success in tasks or projects.
Regular team-building exercises help oil the wheels of our project's progress.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Impact
Emphasizes the beneficial effects someone or something contributes to the function of a system.
Her extensive experience really oiled the wheels of the new marketing campaign.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Usage
No actual oil or wheels involved; it's about making processes smoother metaphorically.
Clear instructions oil the wheels of assembly for the new furniture.
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