run like clockwork

run like clockwork

1. To proceed, progress, or operate smoothly, predictably, and according to plan. Everything is running like clockwork, so we should be ready to start construction by the end of the month. The conference ran like clockwork from beginning to end.
2. To operate, manage, control, or direct something in a very smooth, efficient, reliable manner. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "run" and "like clockwork." The new manager they hired has been running this branch like clockwork. I intend to run this festival like clockwork, so I'm trying to plan for any and all eventualities.
See also: clockwork, like, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

run like clockwork

to run very well; to progress very well. I want this office to run like clockwork—with everything on time and everything done right. The plans for the party were made and we knew that we could depend on Alice to make sure that everything ran like clockwork.
See also: clockwork, like, run
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

go/run like ˈclockwork

(of arrangements, etc.) happen according to plan, without any difficulty or trouble: The sports day went like clockwork, with every race starting and finishing on time.
See also: clockwork, go, like, run
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

run like clockwork, to

To operate with extreme regularity. The transfer from a clock mechanism to other areas dates from the late seventeenth century. “The king’s last years passed as regularly as clockwork,” wrote Hugh Walpole (Reminiscences, 1789).
See also: like, run
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • run like clockwork, to
  • go like clockwork
  • go/run like clockwork
  • like clockwork
  • keep to (something)
  • be as regular as clockwork
  • all systems (are) go
  • All systems are go
  • all systems go
  • move on
References in periodicals archive
Our amazing music teacher Miss Robson and Miss Singh are working hard in directing the show, ensuring that everything will run like clockwork.
Go go go Joseph and Co
EMINEM'S comeback next year will run like clockwork - if his good pal and protege Akon has anything to do with it.
3am: Slim Shady is one to watch
Some of the exhibition tableaux hint at an underlying angst about issues such as nationalism, a sense of identity, cultural stereotypes, the Swiss place in the world and the world's view of the Swiss, but the pervading impression is of a carnival run like clockwork, a contradiction that could perhaps only take place in Switzerland.
Clockwork carnival: mixing the atmosphere of a fete d'ete with concerns about the Swiss place in the world, Switzerland's Expo is choreographed around a set of iconic modern follies
PartyPages has been launched at http://www.PartyPages.co.uk providing visitors with the information needed and the services required to make any special event run like clockwork.
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