Working/firing on all cylinders

usgb
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.
Visual representation of "working/firing on all cylinders" - Functioning at the most efficient or powerful level.

Often appears as...

  • the team is working on all cylinders
  • the machine is firing on all cylinders

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "working/firing on all cylinders"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphoric Origin

Originates from cars with cylinders that must fire for peak performance. Relates to anything performing best.

Illustration for Metaphoric Origin
Once Joe had his coffee, he was working on all cylinders.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Team Success

Often describes teams or groups succeeding because all members contribute well.

Illustration for Team Success
With everyone's ideas, our brainstorming session was working on all cylinders.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

It's not to be taken literally. It's used to express something is working well, not physical cylinders.

Illustration for Not Literal
Her new strategy has the business working on all cylinders.
Visual representation of the word "Working/firing on all cylinders"

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