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3. run on all cylinders

run on all cylinders

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run on all cylinders

 

1. Lit. [for an engine] to run well and smoothly. This car is now running on all cylinders, thanks to the tune-up. You can hear if an engine is not running on all cylinders.

2. Fig. to function well or energetically. Our department seems to be running on all cylinders. Congratulations. I am back at my desk after my illness—running on all cylinders.

See also: all, cylinder, on, run

run on all cylinders

1. in. to run well and smoothly. My plan is now running on all cylinders.

2. in. to operate sensibly and intelligently. Pay attention to what you are doing. Start running on all cylinders.

See also: all, cylinder, on, run