greasy line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greasy line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing something that is slick, oily, or perhaps metaphorically referring to something that is untrustworthy or dubious. Example: "The mechanic gave me a greasy line about how the repairs would take longer than expected, making me suspicious of his honesty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nina's eyes travelled from the man's moving, outstretched elbow, protruding through his shabby corduroy sleeve, to his hunched shoulders and the greasy line of his hair.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There is no respite at the top of the greasy pole, no finish line at the end of the rat race – it's just more of the same.

The Guardian - Money

As my brother, Tom, wrote in The Book Of Eels, "Mud is in the ascendant, a sticky, glistening, quaking grey expanse, streaked with lines of greasy, soapy rocks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In hard-boiled novels of the 30's and 40's, the American highway is a sinister place lined with greasy spoons and fleabag tourist camps and populated by felons and fornicators whose original sin, it's suggested, is transience.

The New York Times - Magazine

But my unspoiled friends popped their malaria pills, boiled water from the nearby stream, dug their right hands into the shared family pot and tried maize porridge, myriad versions of cooked bananas and beans, and--only for the most special occasions--a goat roasted whole with fruit protruding from its mouth, chunks with the fur still lining the greasy meat gobbled with glee.

Huffington Post

Be patient, however: the wait in line for this greasy fix can last up to 30 minutes.

The New York Times

"When icicles hang by the wall, / And Dick the shepherd blows his nail," it begins, then ends just a few lines later with "greasy Joan" who "doth keel the pot" (or "cools the pot").

The New York Times

, there is a line between easy and greasy, and we're afraid the Pizza Vending Machine has crossed it.

TechCrunch

And for once, a line that sings to greasy greaser sleeveless vest wearing scumbags everywhere is actually priced within their range.

Vice

Neither side could generate any sustained momentum and the most promising Chiefs attacks ended with first Cowan-Dickie and then Olly Woodburn spilling the greasy ball as they surged towards the line.

The Guardian - Sport

It needs to convert the line cook at your favorite greasy spoon diner, and the food services company that sells to your office cafeteria, and eventually McDonald's, with its 36,538 outlets serving 68 million customers daily in 119 countries.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "greasy line" to describe a physical mark, ensure the context makes the imagery clear. Otherwise, readers might interpret it metaphorically as something untrustworthy or deceptive.

Common error

While "greasy line" is grammatically sound, its informal and somewhat negative connotations make it unsuitable for formal writing. Opt for more neutral or precise language in academic or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greasy line" functions primarily as a descriptive term, often used to depict a physical mark or streak characterized by its oily or slick texture. As shown in Ludwig, it can also be used metaphorically to suggest something untrustworthy or dubious.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "greasy line" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a physical mark or, metaphorically, something untrustworthy. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides examples primarily from news and media sources. While its usage isn't widespread, its informal tone makes it suitable for casual contexts. When writing, be mindful of the phrase's negative connotations and consider more neutral alternatives for formal settings. Ludwig AI indicates that it is mostly found in the News & Media category.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oily streak

Replaces "greasy" with "oily" maintaining the sense of a visible mark.

smear of grease

Replaces "line" with a broader term for a mark, emphasizing the substance.

slick comment

Shifts the meaning from a physical line to a smooth, potentially deceitful remark.

slippery slope

Introduces a sense of danger and potential negative consequences.

untrustworthy statement

Focuses on the deceptive aspect that "greasy" can imply.

dubious explanation

Highlights the questionable nature of a justification.

suspect narrative

Focuses on the unreliable or unconvincing nature of a story or account.

questionable motive

Shifts the focus to the underlying intentions, suggesting they are suspect.

shady deal

Implies an underhanded or dishonest transaction.

tainted reputation

Emphasizes the damaged or corrupted aspect of a person's character.

FAQs

How can "greasy line" be interpreted metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "greasy line" can suggest something untrustworthy, deceptive, or slick in a negative way, such as a "slick comment" or a "dubious explanation".

What's the best way to use "greasy line" in a descriptive context?

When describing a physical "greasy line", ensure the context clearly indicates the oily or slick nature of the line to avoid misinterpretation.

Are there synonyms for "greasy line" that are more formal?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "oily streak" for physical descriptions or "untrustworthy statement" when referring to something deceptive.

Is "greasy line" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "greasy line" may be too informal or negatively connotative for most academic writing. Consider more neutral and precise alternatives.