run on all cylinders
run on all cylinders
1. To have all cylinders in an engine functioning. There's something wrong with my car—it's definitely not running on all cylinders.
2. By extension, to function or operate at the most desirable or greatest possible level of efficiency, speed, or productivity. (Usually used in the continuous tense.) The new website will be running on all cylinders once we get the comments section up and running! I only run on all cylinders after I've had my coffee.
See also: all, cylinder, on, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
run on all cylinders
1. Lit. [for an engine] to run well and smoothly. This car is now running on all cylinders, thanks to the tune-up. You can hear if an engine is not running on all cylinders.
2. Fig. to function well or energetically. Our department seems to be running on all cylinders. Congratulations. I am back at my desk after my illness—running on all cylinders.
See also: all, cylinder, on, run
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
run on all cylinders
1. in. to run well and smoothly. My plan is now running on all cylinders.
2. in. to operate sensibly and intelligently. Pay attention to what you are doing. Start running on all cylinders.
See also: all, cylinder, on, run
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- work on all cylinders
- fire on all cylinders
- firing/working on all cylinders
- hit on all six
- hitting on all cylinders
- hit on all cylinders
- fire on all four cylinders
- start up
- on wax
- if it isn't broken, don't fix it