run like clockwork, to
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.
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
- run like clockwork
- 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