grease the skids: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘grease the skids’ mean?
The idiom "grease the skids" means to make something easier or smoother, often by using influence or providing assistance.
Idiom Explorer
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The idiom "lay the groundwork" is believed to have originated in the 17th century. It refers to the process of establishing a solid foundation or preparation for something.
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Intricate Origins
The idiom "grease the skids" has its origins in the early 20th century. It refers to lubricating or smoothing something to make it easier or more efficient. The term "skids" comes from wooden planks traditionally used to move heavy objects. While the exact origin of the idiom is unclear, it likely emerged during the 1900s when skids were commonly used in transportation and industry.
One possible explanation for the idiom's usage is its association with the concept of "greasing the wheels." This refers to providing an incentive or favor to someone to facilitate a desired outcome. Similarly, "greasing the skids" prepares or assists a process to ensure its smooth progress or successful completion.
The idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as business negotiations, project management, or social interactions. It conveys the idea of taking proactive steps to remove obstacles or make a task easier and more streamlined.
While not as frequently used as some other idiomatic expressions, "grease the skids" has the potential for metaphorical interpretation and can be applied in various situations. Its brevity and simplicity make it memorable and effective in conveying a specific meaning.
Another related idiom is "grease someone's palm." This expression implies giving money or a bribe to someone in a position of power or influence to gain an advantage. While "grease the skids" focuses on facilitating a process, "grease someone's palm" emphasizes providing an incentive to an individual.
Similarly, "grease the wheels" is an idiom that means to smooth the way for something or make a process easier. It often involves taking action or providing assistance to ensure the success of a task or endeavor. This idiom is closely related to "grease the skids" as both convey the idea of making things easier or more efficient.
Another related idiom, "get one's skates on," means to hurry or move quickly. This expression highlights the importance of urgency and prompt action. While it does not directly relate to "grease the skids," both idioms emphasize the need for speed or efficiency in different contexts.
"cut corners" is yet another related idiom. It refers to taking shortcuts or bypassing certain steps to save time or effort. This idiom suggests a willingness to sacrifice quality or thoroughness for the sake of expediency. While it differs from "grease the skids" in terms of approach and connotation, both idioms touch on the idea of making processes faster or easier.
"grease the skids" is an idiom that conveys the concept of facilitating or expediting a process. Its figurative nature and historical roots in transportation and industry give it a sense of practicality and relevancy. While its exact origin remains a mystery, the idiom's enduring usage reflects its ability to convey a universal idea. As language continues to evolve, idioms like "grease the skids" serve as reminders of the depth and richness of a culture's linguistic heritage.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "grease the skids" can be used in a sentence:
- He decided to grease the skids and offered a generous donation to the charity, hoping it would help him secure the business deal.
- The politician tried to grease the skids by promising favorable legislation to the influential lobbyists.
- In order to avoid delays in the construction project, the team decided to grease the skids by providing all the necessary permits in advance.
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