cog in the wheel or machine

a cog in the machine

Someone or something that is functionally necessary but of small significance or importance within a larger operation or organization. I'm tired of working in this thankless IT support job. I don't want to be just a cog in the machine anymore!
See also: cog, machine

a cog in the wheel

Someone or something that is functionally necessary but of small significance or importance within a larger operation or organization. I'm tired of working in this thankless IT support job. I don't want to be just a cog in the wheel anymore!
See also: cog, wheel
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

cog in the wheel (or machine

) a person who plays a small mundane (perhaps vital but generally unacknowledged or unappreciated) role in a large enterprise.
See also: cog, machine, wheel
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a cog in the machine
  • a cog in the machine/wheel
  • a cog in the wheel
  • a small cog in a large machine
  • a small cog in a large wheel
  • cog
  • cog in the machine
  • cog in the wheel
  • machine
  • rate with