grease
B2Informal to neutral in literal meaning; informal/idiomatic in metaphorical uses (e.g., 'grease the wheels').
Definition
Meaning
A thick, oily substance, often used to lubricate or reduce friction between surfaces.
The act of lubricating something; to smooth or facilitate a process, often through informal or illicit means (e.g., bribery).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The metaphorical extension from lubrication to facilitating a process (often with money) is common. Can connote dirtiness or illegality in such contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Pronunciation: The noun and verb differ in the pronunciation of the 's' sound. In BrE, the noun is /ɡriːs/ and the verb is /ɡriːz/. In AmE, the noun is often /ɡriːs/ and the verb /ɡriːs/ or /ɡriːz/, but the distinction is less rigid. For the substance 'kitchen grease', AmE may more commonly use 'grease' where BrE might specify 'cooking fat' or 'oil'.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. The idiom 'grease the wheels/palm(s)' exists in both.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in technical/mechanical contexts in both varieties. The metaphorical use is slightly more marked in AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
grease something (e.g., 'Grease the bearings')grease something with something (e.g., 'Grease the tin with butter')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “grease the wheels”
- “grease someone's palm”
- “elbow grease”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'A small gift was used to grease the wheels of the negotiation.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or technical writing (e.g., 'The use of animal grease in early machinery').
Everyday
Literal: 'There's grease all over the barbecue grill.' Metaphorical: 'You might need to grease a few palms to get that permit.'
Technical
Specific types: 'lithium grease', 'high-temperature grease', 'grease nipple'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You need to grease the baking tray to stop the cake sticking.
- He was accused of greasing the palms of local officials.
American English
- Grease the hinges so they stop squeaking.
- They had to grease some skids to get the project approved.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective form is 'greasy').
American English
- N/A (The adjective form is 'greasy').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The mechanic put grease on the bike chain.
- Wash your hands to get the grease off.
- The old hinges need some grease; they're very loud.
- I used kitchen paper to soak up the excess grease from the bacon.
- Applying a high-temperature grease will protect the bearings.
- The journalist alleged that corruption had greased the wheels for the construction contract.
- The political machine was lubricated by the grease of patronage and favours.
- Degreasing the engine components is a critical step in the restoration process.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GREasy cASE of something slippery and hard to hold.
Conceptual Metaphor
FACILITATION IS LUBRICATION / CORRUPTION IS DIRT (e.g., 'grease the wheels', 'greasy politics').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'gravy' (подливка) или 'cream' (крем). 'Grease' — это обычно густое, грязное масло или жир. Идиома 'elbow grease' переводится как 'физический труд', а не что-то связанное с локтем.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'grease' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a grease'). It is usually uncountable. Mispronouncing the verb with an /s/ in contexts where /z/ is expected in BrE.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'elbow grease' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'grease' is typically an uncountable noun. You refer to 'some grease' or 'a lot of grease', not 'a grease' or 'greases' (except in highly technical contexts for different types).
Technically, greases are semi-solid lubricants (oil thickened with a soap). In cooking, 'fat' is solid at room temperature (like lard), 'oil' is liquid, and 'grease' often refers to melted or used fat/oil, especially when dirty or waste.
In standard British English, the noun 'grease' rhymes with 'peace' (/ɡriːs/). The verb 'to grease' rhymes with 'ease' or 'breeze' (/ɡriːz/). This distinction is less strict in American English.
Yes, it implies bribery or unethical payment to gain favour or bypass rules. It has a corrupt connotation.
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