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run a tight ship

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run a tight ship

 and run a taut ship

to run a ship or an organization in an orderly and disciplined manner. (Taut and tight mean the same thing. Taut is correct nautical use.) The new office manager really runs a tight ship. Captain Jones is known for running a taut ship.

See also: run, ship, tight

run a tight ship

to control a business or other organization firmly and effectively Ruth runs a tight ship and has no time for shirkers.

See also: run, ship, tight