oil up
To put oil on something — a machine, skin, or food.
Meanings
To apply oil to a machine or mechanism to make it work smoothly.
"You should oil up the bike chain before the race."
To apply oil to the body, especially before a sports competition, performance, or for cosmetic purposes.
"The bodybuilders oiled themselves up before stepping onto the stage."
To grease a cooking pan or surface with oil to prevent sticking.
"Oil up the baking tray before you put the dough in."
Used in practical/mechanical contexts (lubricating a machine) and also in sporting, cosmetic, or cooking contexts (oiling the body or a pan). The reflexive form 'oil yourself up' is common in bodybuilding.
Commonly used with
Forms
Understand "oil up" better
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "oil up" on Looplines