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. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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 © Farlex 2017

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, to

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer