lube it up

Meanings

1. 1phrasetransitiveinformal

   To apply a slippery substance to something to make it move or fit more easily.

   Grammar: Takes an object; 'it' stands for the thing being lubricated. You can also say 'lube up something' or 'lube something up'.

   Patterns

   • lube it up
   • lube something up
   • lube up something

   The door hinge was squeaking, so he lubed it up with a few drops of oil.

   Before you put the new filter on, lube it up so the rubber seal doesn't dry out.

   She lubed up the bike chain and then wiped off the extra grease.

2. 2phrasetransitiveinformal

   To put lubricant on the body, especially for sexual activity.

   Grammar: Usually used with a reflexive pronoun or a body part: lube it up, lube yourself up.

   Patterns

   • lube it up
   • lube yourself up

   The clinic advises patients to lube it up before using the device.

   He said he had to lube it up first to make things more comfortable.

Common combinations

lube it up with oil

Lube it up with a little oil before you reassemble the parts.

lube up the chain

You should lube up the chain after riding in the rain.

lube up the hinge

A quick spray will lube up the hinge nicely.

lube it up first

Lube it up first, then slide the pieces together.

Synonyms and how they differ

grease

Use 'grease' when the substance is thick and sticky, like for car parts; 'lube up' is more general and informal.

oil

'Oil' as a verb means apply oil specifically; 'lube up' can use any lubricant, not just oil.

Word family

lube noun

Informal short form for lubricant.

lubricant noun

A substance that reduces friction.

lubricate verb

Formal verb meaning to apply lubricant.

Commonly confused: lube it up or lube up?

Practice

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