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grease it on

C1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To spread something greasy on a surface, or (informally) to be overly charming and smooth in a way that seems fake.

Literal meaning: To smooth grease or oil onto a surface.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

To apply a greasy, oily, or creamy substance smoothly onto a surface.

"Grease it on evenly before putting the tray in the oven."

Grammar: separable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

To apply excessive flattery or charm in a smooth, somewhat insincere way.

"He greased it on so thick that even the boss could see he was just after a pay rise."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The literal sense is straightforward — applying lubricant or grease. The figurative sense overlaps with 'lay it on thick' and is not widely standardised as a fixed phrasal verb. Rare in formal or print contexts. The 'it' in the phrase is fixed and does not vary in the figurative use.

Commonly used with

cream ointment butter oil charm flattery

Forms

Base
grease it on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
greases it on
he/she/it
Past simple
greased it on
yesterday
Past participle
greased it on
have + pp
-ing form
greasing it on
continuous

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