Working/firing on all cylinders
phrase
Functioning at the most efficient or powerful level.
Now that the team is working on all cylinders, they're expected to complete the project ahead of time.
Often appears as...
- the team is working on all cylinders
- the machine is firing on all cylinders
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Being very active or intense.
The party was firing on all cylinders and everyone was having a great time.
Often appears as...
- the party is firing on all cylinders
- the campaign is working on all cylinders
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Functioning at the most efficient or powerful level.
Now that the team is working on all cylinders, they're expected to complete the project ahead of time.
Often appears as...
- the team is working on all cylinders
- the machine is firing on all cylinders
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Being very active or intense.
The party was firing on all cylinders and everyone was having a great time.
Often appears as...
- the party is firing on all cylinders
- the campaign is working on all cylinders
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Origin
Originates from cars with cylinders that must fire for peak performance. Relates to anything performing best.
Once Joe had his coffee, he was working on all cylinders.
Pro Tip 2/3Team Success
Often describes teams or groups succeeding because all members contribute well.
With everyone's ideas, our brainstorming session was working on all cylinders.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's not to be taken literally. It's used to express something is working well, not physical cylinders.
Her new strategy has the business working on all cylinders.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Origin
Originates from cars with cylinders that must fire for peak performance. Relates to anything performing best.
Once Joe had his coffee, he was working on all cylinders.
Pro Tip 2/3Team Success
Often describes teams or groups succeeding because all members contribute well.
With everyone's ideas, our brainstorming session was working on all cylinders.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's not to be taken literally. It's used to express something is working well, not physical cylinders.
Her new strategy has the business working on all cylinders.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Origin
Originates from cars with cylinders that must fire for peak performance. Relates to anything performing best.
Once Joe had his coffee, he was working on all cylinders.
Pro Tip 2/3Team Success
Often describes teams or groups succeeding because all members contribute well.
With everyone's ideas, our brainstorming session was working on all cylinders.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's not to be taken literally. It's used to express something is working well, not physical cylinders.
Her new strategy has the business working on all cylinders.
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