greasing the skids
Smoothing the way
Greasing the skids means making something easier or smoother, especially by preparing the way in advance.
Skids are runners or rails on which heavy objects slide, and greasing them reduces friction.
The phrase usually describes behind-the-scenes efforts to facilitate a process: They're greasing the skids for the merger.
It can also mean hastening someone's downfall: His enemies were greasing the skids for his departure.
- incentivizingProviding motivation through rewards
- lubricatingApplying friction-reducing substance
- expeditingMaking progress faster
- fast trackingAccelerating a process deliberately
- streamliningMaking more aerodynamic or efficient
bargaining · accelerating · compromising · clearing · lobbying · enabling · arranging · bribing · smoothing · coaxing · simplifying · optimizing · persuading · paving the way · leveraging · manipulating · conceding · pressuring
greasing the skidsstanding in the way
throwing a wrench in the works · blocking · obstructing · impeding · hindering
greasing the skidssabotaging
Deliberately undermining or destroying
undermining · thwarting · frustrating · hampering · stymying
greasing the skidspulling the rug out
grease, greasing, greased, greaser, greasers, greases, greasy, greasier, greasiest