Dictionary

well-oiled machine en · NOUN

Etymology

The figurative sense is an extension from the literal sense.

Meanings

1. (figuratively, idiomatic) Something that operates capably through the effective coordination of many parts.
   • Our office runs like a well-oiled machine.
   • Contrary to this dismal picture is the popular concept of the classroom that runs like a well-oiled machine, smoothly, flawlessly, functioning at full capacity, producing maximum output. 2004, Carolyn Orange, 44 Smart Strategies for Avoiding Classroom Mistakes, page 16:
   • Trevor was the firm's facilities manager and it was his job to make sure that their office ran like a well-oiled machine and that the partners, attorneys, and staff were comfortable. 2008, Zane, Succulent: Chocolate Flava II, page 2:
   • The writer is never enthusiastic and rarely Imaginative. His lines flow with the smoothness of a well-oiled machine. 1850, The Knickerbocker; or, New-York monthly magazine, "Editor's Table", p. 573
   • A movie studio in the so-called golden era was a well-oiled machine with everything needed to make movies right in place on the studio lot. 2007, Jeanine Basinger, The Star Machine, page 13:
   • run like a well-oiled machine
   • Our office is a well-oiled machine.
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see well-oiled, machine.

Forms

Relateds

oilcan · well-oiled · oiler