a cog in the 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

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
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

a cog in the maˈchine/ˈwheel

(informal) a person who plays a small part in a large organization or plan: The firm tries hard to make its employees feel that they are more than simply cogs in the wheel.
See also: cog, machine, wheel
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • 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
  • cog in the wheel or machine
  • machine
  • rank with
References in periodicals archive
He had a hand in the success, but was no more than a cog in the machine."
The whole installation had an air of corporate condescension about it, pointing to the office worker not just as a cog in the machine but as the emotionally stunted child of the parent company.