oiled
/ɔɪl/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈɔɪld] /ɔɪl/ (ame, ipa) · /ɔɪld/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈɔɪld] /ɔɪld/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈɔɪld] /ˈȯi(-ə)ld/ (ame, mw)
oiled — verb
- oiledpresent simple I / you / we / they
- oileds3rd person singular
- oileding-ing form
- oilededpast simple
1. the past tense and past participle form of the verb 'oil', which means to put a
the past tense and past participle form of the verb 'oil', which means to put a layer of oil onto the surface of a machine, tool, or piece of equipment so that the parts move easily without sticking or making noise, or to protect the material from rust or damage
Christopher oiled the squeaky hinge on the kitchen cupboard to stop the noise.
oil + noun (hinge, chain, gear) as direct object
Before frying the fish, Yuna oiled the pan with a thin layer of olive oil.
Rania had oiled the garden shears after using them, so they stayed in good condition.
The repairman oiled every gear inside the old grandfather clock before putting it back together.
Aaron oiled the chain of his motorcycle twice a month to keep it running smoothly.
- lubricated
more technical; focuses on reducing friction between moving parts, common in engineering contexts
- greased
suggests a thicker substance (grease) applied to heavy machinery; less common for light household items
文法句型
oil + noun phrase
have/has/had oiled + noun phrase
用法筆記
This is the only sense that functions as a past-tense verb form. When used as a past participle, it often appears with 'have', 'has', or 'had' to form perfect tenses, or with 'be' to form passive sentences.
常見錯誤
oiled — adjective
- oiledpositive
- oiledercomparative
- oiledestsuperlative
1. having a layer of oil on the surface, either because oil was deliberately applie
having a layer of oil on the surface, either because oil was deliberately applied to protect, preserve, or lubricate something such as wood, metal, or leather, or because the surface has come into contact with oil by accident
The wooden kitchen counter had been oiled regularly and had a warm, golden shine.
predicative use: had been oiled + adverb (regularly)
Takeshi wiped the oiled surface of the cutting board with a clean, dry cloth.
attributive use: oiled + noun (surface, cloth, wood)
Layla's hands were oiled and grimy after helping her father fix the lawnmower engine.
The baking tray was lightly oiled before the bread rolls were placed on it.
Rafael stored his woodworking chisels in an oiled cloth to stop them from going rusty.
- lubricated
more technical and narrower — specifically means oil or grease was applied to reduce friction
- greasy
suggests an oily surface that feels slippery or dirty, often with a negative connotation
- slick
emphasises the smooth, slippery quality of the oiled surface
文法句型
oiled + noun (attributive)
be/look/get + oiled (predicative)
用法筆記
This sense can describe something deliberately treated with oil (oiled wood, an oiled chain) or accidentally covered in oil (oiled hands, an oiled rag). For food, 'oiled' usually refers to a surface that has had oil brushed or sprayed onto it for cooking, not to food that naturally contains oil.
常見錯誤
2. having consumed too much alcohol so that normal physical or mental control is no
having consumed too much alcohol so that normal physical or mental control is noticeably reduced — used informally and humorously, almost always in the fixed expression 'well oiled'
After the wedding reception, half the guests were well oiled and dancing on the chairs.
fixed phrase: well oiled
Lara warned her younger brother not to get too well oiled before the graduation dinner.
pattern: get + well oiled
Eitan had one glass too many and was well oiled before the main course arrived.
Adisa's uncle gets well oiled at every family barbecue and tells the same funny stories.
- drunk
the standard, neutral term — more direct and less humorous than 'well oiled'
- tipsy
milder — suggests slightly affected by alcohol but still in control
- intoxicated
formal or medical term for being under the influence of alcohol
- sober
not affected by alcohol at all
文法句型
well oiled (fixed phrase)
get well oiled
用法筆記
Most common in the fixed phrase 'well oiled'. Considered informal and light-hearted — not as strong or offensive as 'drunk' and rarely used in formal writing or medical contexts. The literal meaning 'covered in oil' is almost never intended when this phrase is used.