regular as clockwork

(as) regular as clockwork

1. Occurring at consistent, predictable intervals or points in time. One thing I loved about living in Germany was that the trains were always regular as clockwork. Every evening at 8 PM, as regular as clockwork, my dad sits in his armchair and reads the newspaper for exactly 45 minutes.
2. slang To have reliable, healthy bowel movements. I've been as regular as clockwork every since I started eating a healthier balance of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. Drinking all of this prune juice keeps me regular as clockwork!
See also: clockwork, regular
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*regular as clockwork

Cliché very regular; completely predictable. (*Also: as ~.) George goes down to the bus stop at 7:45 every morning, as regular as clockwork. You can always depend on Nancy to complain about the office for fifteen minutes every afternoon, regular as clockwork.
See also: clockwork, regular
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

(as) regular as ˈclockwork

very regularly; happening at the same time in the same way; reliable: She arrives at work on her bicycle at 8.45 every day, as regular as clockwork.
See also: clockwork, regular
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (as) regular as clockwork
  • clockwork
  • regular
  • be as regular as clockwork
  • at regular intervals
  • the unexpected always happens
  • unexpected always happens
  • in between times
  • rent from (one)
  • rents
References in periodicals archive
We all know the drill by now - it's been regular as clockwork for 14 years - and we're ready to sacrifice our nights to fights around the campfire, surprising friendships and voting for the celebrities to face bushtucker trials and get food and treats for their jungle buddies.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13; TV GUIDE
Q My periods used to be as regular as clockwork and they've suddenly stopped.
Ask Dr Miriam
It erupts in our house at this time of year, regular as clockwork, and starts with one of us (ok, me) surreptitiously pressing the heating 'on' button while the other (himself) huffs, puffs and opens windows.
HAVE you had the central [...]
"It's extremely difficult to predict as it's not as regular as clockwork but it will happen sooner or later."
Prediction of 'major' quake
I get tired before she does, but I wake up regular as clockwork at 7.30am.
She's sleeping when I'm awake; The answer to your problems ask anna
"TCP is affordable and they come regular as clockwork, we were broken-hearted when they stopped.
Gardening project set to make a comeback
AS regular as clockwork your Weekly news arrived through my letterbox.
Letter: Mailbag - Wrong architect
"She was the pride and joy of Tyneside and a star in her own right who crossed the Atlantic as regular as clockwork," said Ken.
Our pride and joy remembered
``She is as regular as clockwork,and after waiting for her I called to see where she was,'' saidMrs Collins.
Hairdresser raises alarm on collapsed pensioner
The Clockwork Style Junkie (27 per cent) - Decorate 'as regular as clockwork' although it is something they regard as a hobby rather than a chore.
The style seekers; ALL ABOUT SUMMER
"There's no sense disturbing animals somewhere else," he concludes, "if the ones in this area seem to know the bombings are going on and happen as regular as clockwork."
Healing old wounds
Loads of us pop off year after year, regular as clockwork, to our own special spot in the Costas or Skeggie or Thailand.
Barbara Argument's column
Regular as clockwork, we have written to the council every year,pointing out she owes nothing.
You Say: Phantom debts
NOW BOOKING AS REGULAR as clockwork,The Dubliners undertake a Liverpool gig.This year, they are part of the Grand National celebrations!
ARTS DIARY: KEY EVENTS; THE ARTS EDITOR'S PICK OF THE DAY
He comes in every day, regular as clockwork, and sits with a group of his friends in the corner.
George the thirst!; BIRTHDAY CHEERS TO THE MAN WHO'S BEEN A REGULAR FOR 85 LONG YEARS