well-oiled

[ wel-oild ]

adjective

1. operating with efficiency:

   a well-oiled department.

2. Slang. drunk.

well-oiled

adjective

1. informal.
   well oiled when postpositive drunk

Word History and Origins

Origin of well-oiled¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

It was such a well-oiled, fun, beautiful production machine.

From The Daily Beast

They all play a part in this whirling, well oiled machine, helping bring The Macallan to life.

From The Daily Beast

So one is like a brand-new thing, and one is like a well-oiled machine.

From The Daily Beast

One step closer to turning the tide of the addiction taboo that operates like well-oiled spin machine.

From The Daily Beast

Great athletes are like well-oiled machines, and as such need regular maintenance to make sure they function at their best.

From The Daily Beast

The key turned easily—no rust there—the springs and the tumblers had been well oiled, like the hinges.

From Project Gutenberg

The road over which the auto-bus rolled was wide and well oiled—a splendid automobile track.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the handle of the door was softly turned, and the door itself, moving on its well-oiled hinges, was gently pushed inward.

From Project Gutenberg

After a long rest all the bearings should be well oiled, the lamp refilled, and the machine generally overhauled.

From Project Gutenberg

It had fallen into the moss, but the well-oiled, perfect-fitting chamber had kept its cartridges dry.

From Project Gutenberg