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."
separable
grease it on
C1 informal separable transitive
To apply a greasy or oily substance smoothly onto a surface; informally, to use excessive charm or flattery in a slick way.
In plain English
To spread something greasy on a surface, or (informally) to be overly charming and smooth in a way that seems fake.
What does "grease it on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To smooth grease or oil onto a surface.
Actually means
To spread something greasy on a surface, or (informally) to be overly charming and smooth in a way that seems fake.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "grease it on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
cream ointment butter oil charm flattery
How to conjugate "grease it on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "grease it on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "grease it on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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