oil (someone or something) up

oil (someone or something) up

To cover someone or something in oil so as to lubricate them or it in preparation for some task or activity. That bike's been sitting in the shed for months, so make sure you oil up the chain before you take it out again. They oiled the muscly model up so that his pecs and biceps would shine nicely for the photo shoot.See also: oil, up

oil up

v. To coat something thoroughly with oil: The mechanic oiled up the engine. The therapist oiled my back up and worked out the knots in my muscles.See also: oil, up