work like a charm
To work very well or be exceptionally effective. This new software works like a charm. I barely had to do anything and the image is perfect. I read about some negotiating techniques before the big budget meeting, and I have to say that they actually worked like a charm!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
work like a charm
Function very well, have a good effect or outcome, as in
That knife-sharpener works like a charm, or
Her deferential manner worked like a charm; he agreed to everything they'd asked for. This expression uses
charm in the sense of "a magic spell." [Mid-1800s] Also see
work wonders.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
work like a charm
If something works like a charm, it is very successful or effective. Our little arrangement worked like a charm. The medicine worked like a charm and my life has greatly improved.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
work like a charm
be completely successful or effective. Charm here means a magic spell or lucky talisman.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
ˌwork like a ˈcharm
(informal) quickly have the effect you want; work like magic: I don’t know what she said to him, but it worked like a charm — he’s much more cooperative now.A charm is a small object that is believed to bring good luck, or words believed to have magic power.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
work like a charm
To function very well or have a very good effect or outcome.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.