cylinder

firing on all cylinders and hitting on all cylinders 

1. Lit. [of an internal combustion engine] having all its cylinders working and thus providing the maximum amount of power. The old car is firing on all cylinders despite its age. This thing's not hitting on all cylinders.

2. Fig. working at full strength; making every possible effort. The team is firing on all cylinders under the new coach. The factory is hitting on all cylinders to finish the orders on time.

See also: firing

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: run

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be firing on all cylinders

to be operating as powerfully and effectively as possible Dawson will be firing on all cylinders after 2 months of fitness training.

See also: firing

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firing on all cylinders

operating as powerfully and effectively as possible Doctors say Mary will be firing on all cylinders after two months of physical therapy.

Usage notes: based on the literal meaning of a car engine using all of its cylinders (the parts that produce power)

See also: firing