in the groove en · ADP
Etymology
Originally slang that first appeared in the mid-19th century with a (usually pejorative) reference to the difficulty of leaving a well-worn rut (see in a rut). As back in the groove, the phrase acquired a positive sense of returning to one's usual self after a period of illness, setbacks, etc. With special regard for music, originally US jazz slang from the 1920s, possibly with reference to the grooves of early records.
Meanings
- (colloquial) Running or performing extremely smoothly.
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(slang) Playing perfectly, perfectly in sync with others, or with perfect focus.
The jazz musicians gave no grandstand performances; they simply got a great burn from playing in the groove.
1933 Aug., Fortune, p. 90
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Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in, groove.
The whole course of legislation... had flowed in the same groove for centuries.
1869, J.E.T. Rogers's preface to Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations, Vol. I, p. 27[…] having such a wonderful time which puts me in a groove […]
1932 Oct., Melody Maker, p. 836There's a time in everybody's life when they know precisely what is right. And when I was doing that, when I was in the groove, I knew exactly what was right.
2005, Joe McCabe, Hanging Out With the Dream King: Conversations with Neil Gaiman, page 77: