like clockwork

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Word: Like clockwork

Part of Speech: Adverb

Definition: "Like clockwork" means something happens regularly and precisely, just like a well-functioning clock. It suggests that an event occurs reliably and without any problems.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "like clockwork" when you want to describe an event or action that occurs consistently and predictably.
• It is often used in both spoken and written English.

Example:

• "Every morning, she wakes up at 7 a.m. and leaves for work at 8 a.m. It happens like clockwork."

Advanced Usage:

You can also use "like clockwork" in more complex sentences or in a professional context, such as: - "The project delivery was completed like clockwork, demonstrating the team’s excellent planning and execution."

Word Variants:

There are no direct variants of "like clockwork," but you can use it in different tenses or forms. For example: - "It worked like clockwork last time." - "We expect it to run like clockwork again."

Different Meanings:

"Like clockwork" is primarily used to describe regularity and precision. It does not have other distinct meanings.

Synonyms:

• Regularly
• Reliably
• Predictably
• Consistently

Idioms:

• "As regular as clockwork" is a similar idiom that also means something happens at predictable intervals.

Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific phrasal verbs directly related to "like clockwork," but you could use phrases like "to run smoothly" or "to go off without a hitch" to convey a similar meaning in different contexts.

Academic

Adverb

1. with regularity and precision
   • the rocket launch went off like clockwork