well-oiled
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of well-oiled
First recorded in 1730–40
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But after two test trips with a full-sized reproduction of the tapestry, the operation appeared a well-oiled machine.
From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026
Under its well-oiled financial system, companies can set up or shut down in days.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 14, 2026
To complete the picture, PSG's midfield of Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves is the well-oiled engine room linking it all together.
From BBC ● May 6, 2026
They’re a well-oiled machine of fun over there!
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 16, 2026
She could understand the appeal of the Roman way, too - to blend in, be one of the team, work as a part of a well-oiled machine.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
