it's not a good idea to use olive oil to lubricate the gears in an appliance
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Moreover, a policy of tough love toward allies could turn into mutually destructive hostility, and a superpower that regularly coerces its friends could wreck the soft power that lubricates key relationships.—Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025 The study suggested that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — which are released by sebum (oily secretions that help lubricate and protect skin) in the ear wax of individuals with Parkinson’s — have a certain distinctive smell.—Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025 Running it for at least 15 minutes a week (year-round) can keep your compressor lubricated.—Charles Singh, USA Today, 26 June 2025 Gargle With Salt Water Gargling with salt water helps clear away mucus and reduce inflammation while lubricating your throat.—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Latin lūbricātus, past participle of lūbricāre "to make slippery," derivative of lūbricus "slippery, hard to hold, liable to lead to false steps, hazardous" — more at sleeve
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