This is the most common meaning of oil. It is a natural liquid. People use it in kitchens and for engines.
We need oil to cook the vegetables.
The car needs more oil to run well.
This is the action of applying oil. It helps things move easily or look better. It is a common task for machines and wood.
He oils his bicycle chain every week.
She oils the wooden table to keep it nice.
This is a special paint for art. It is thick and shiny. Artists like it because it lasts a long time.
The artist uses oil to paint beautiful pictures.
Oil paints are good for bright colors.
This is a valuable natural resource. It is found deep in the earth. It is used for energy and making things like plastic.
Many countries sell oil to other countries.
Oil is important for making plastic and gasoline.
This is a personal care product. It helps keep skin and hair healthy. It often smells good and feels smooth.
She puts oil on her skin after a shower.
This hair oil makes your hair soft and shiny.
This is a figurative use. It means to improve a tense or bad situation. It is like making things smooth, just as oil makes machines smooth.
He oiled the argument between his friends.
Good communication can oil difficult situations.
This describes the feel or taste of food. It is often positive, meaning smooth and rich. It comes from oils used in cooking.
The salad dressing has a nice oil from the olives.
This sauce has too much oil for my taste.
This is an idiomatic and negative use. It refers to hidden payments or power to make things happen. It is not about real oil.
They used oil to get the contract approved.
Political oil can change decisions unfairly.