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 2/3
Team 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 3/3
Not 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.