expression, godan verb (-gu)
pour oil on; anoint with oil
Literal physical action of pouring oil onto something. Also used in religious or ceremonial contexts for anointing.
See also: 火に油を注ぐ
機械の調子が悪いので、油を注いだ。
The machine wasn't running well, so I poured oil on it.
expression, godan verb (-gu)
Idiomatic: to make a bad situation worse by adding something that intensifies it, like pouring oil on a fire. Often used for disputes, arguments, or excitement.
彼の一言が議論に油を注いだ。
His remark added fuel to the argument.
あの選手の活躍がチームの勢いに油を注いだ。
That player's performance revved up the team's momentum.