Go like clockwork Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡoʊ/ /ˈɫaɪk/ /ˈkɫɑˌkwɝk
GOH like KLAWK-wurk
ɡˈəʊ/ /lˈaɪk/ /klˈɒkwɜːk
gOH like klok-WURK
Definition
If something goes like clockwork, it happens smoothly and exactly as planned, without any problems.
Usage & Nuances
This phrase is informal and positive, often used after events, meetings, or projects. Common after 'everything', 'the plan', or 'the event'. Avoid using it for situations where problems happened.
Spanish: salir a la perfección - ir como un relojPortuguese (BR): funcionar perfeitamente - correr como um relógioPortuguese (PT): correr como um relógio - funcionar perfeitamenteChinese (Simplified): 顺利进行 - 一切顺利Chinese (Traditional): 順利進行 - 一切順利Hindi: बिल्कुल सही चलना - बिना किसी रुकावट के होनाArabic: يسير بسلاسة - يسير كساعةBengali: ঘড়ির মতো চলা - পুরো পরিকল্পনা অনুযায়ী হওয়াRussian: как по часам - как часыJapanese: 順調に進む - 時計のように進むVietnamese: diễn ra suôn sẻ - trơn tru như đồng hồKorean: 착착 진행되다 - 시계처럼 진행되다Turkish: saat gibi tıkır tıkır gitmek - sorunsuz ilerlemekUrdu: پوری ترتیب سے ہونا - گھڑی کی طرح چلناIndonesian: berjalan lancar - berjalan mulus seperti jam
Example Sentences
The wedding preparations went like clockwork.
basic
Everything at the concert went like clockwork.
basic
The team’s plan went like clockwork and they finished early.
basic
I can’t believe how smoothly the meeting went like clockwork this morning.
natural
The kid’s birthday party went like clockwork, no issues at all.
natural
We practiced a lot, so the show went like clockwork from start to finish.
natural