Greased lightning

The natural phenomenon of lightning has been associated with speed since at least The Middle Ages. Lightning fast or quick as lightning is first attested from the mid-1600s and from the early 19th century onwards any machinery that was greased worked faster. Hence, the notion of greased lightning, which is first cited in America from 1833 and anglicised by 1850. There is some evidence, however, that earlier American citations for greased lightning referred specifically to raw whiskey. The OED also gives greased lightning as a slang name for gin, but gives no date. Presumably, American Whiskey and British Gin were likened to greased lightning because of the speed of their effects.