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firing on all cylinders

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firing on all cylinders

 and hitting on all cylinders 

1. Lit.

[of an internal combustion engine] having all its cylinders working and thus providing the maximum amount of power. The old car is firing on all cylinders despite its age. This thing's not hitting on all cylinders.

2. Fig. working at full strength; making every possible effort. The team is firing on all cylinders under the new coach. The factory is hitting on all cylinders to finish the orders on time.

See also: all, cylinder, firing, on

firing on all cylinders

operating as powerfully and effectively as possible Doctors say Mary will be firing on all cylinders after two months of physical therapy.

Usage notes: based on the literal meaning of a car engine using all of its cylinders (the parts that produce power)

See also: all, cylinder, firing, on