Welcome to our fun journey through language where we explore “Machine Idioms”! Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say but have a special meaning of their own. Today, we will look at different idioms involving the word “machine” or related to machines in some way. Even if you’re just starting to learn English, this post will help you understand these cool phrases!
Machine Idioms
Here are 20 machine idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. A well-oiled machine
Meaning: Works very smoothly and effectively.
Example: Our team is like a well-oiled machine.
2. Ghost in the machine
Meaning: Complex problems in the system.
Example: There’s a ghost in the machine causing errors.
3. Machine age
Meaning: Era dominated by industrial technology.
Example: We live in the machine age now.
4. Rage against the machine
Meaning: Oppose authority or the system.
Example: They like to rage against the machine.
5. Deus ex machina
Meaning: Unexpected power saving a hopeless situation.
Example: A deus ex machina solved their problem.
6. Part of the machine
Meaning: Being a member of a large system.
Example: He’s just a part of the machine.
7. Grease the wheels
Meaning: Make something happen more smoothly.
Example: Let’s grease the wheels of this project.
8. Cog in the machine
Meaning: A small part of a large process.
Example: I feel like a cog in the machine.
9. Throw a wrench in the works
Meaning: Cause a disruption.
Example: That error threw a wrench in the works.
10. Full steam ahead
Meaning: Proceed energetically or enthusiastically.
Example: It’s full steam ahead with the plans.
11. On autopilot
Meaning: Doing something automatically.
Example: He’s just working on autopilot today.
12. Reinvent the wheel
Meaning: Waste effort on previously solved problems.
Example: Why reinvent the wheel?
13. Run like clockwork
Meaning: Run very smoothly and predictably.
Example: The event ran like clockwork.
14. Oil the gears
Meaning: Help something operate more smoothly.
Example: We need to oil the gears of our team.
15. Pull the levers
Meaning: Use control or influence.
Example: It’s time to pull the levers on this issue.
16. Switch gears
Meaning: Change what you are doing.
Example: Let’s switch gears to a new topic.
17. The wheels are turning
Meaning: Processes are ongoing; thinking hard.
Example: The wheels are turning in his head.
18. Tighten the screws
Meaning: Increase pressure or control.
Example: We must tighten the screws on spending.
19. Crank up the machine
Meaning: Start or increase activity.
Example: Let’s crank up the machine for this project.
20. Smooth operator
Meaning: Someone who handles situations effortlessly.
Example: He’s a smooth operator at work.
