What is the origin of the idiom "grease the skids" and when to use it?

The idiom "grease the skids" has its origin in the world of machinery and manufacturing. In the early 20th century, when machines were powered by steam, workers would pour oil or grease on the metal skids or tracks to reduce friction and help the heavy equipment move more easily. Over time, the phrase came to be used figuratively to describe an action taken to help a process move more smoothly and easily.