clockwork Hear it!

clockwork Definition

clock·work (-wʉrk′)

noun

  1. the mechanism of a clock
  2. any similar mechanism, consisting of springs and geared wheels, as in some mechanical toys

clockwork Idioms

like clockwork

very regularly, precisely, and evenly

clockwork Synonyms

clockwork

n.

perfect timing, precision, regularity; see accuracy 2.

like clockwork

precisely, smoothly, consistently; see accurately, regularly 1, 2.

clockwork Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • power: Very nice early clockwork powered two horse toy with galloping action.
  • produce: In 1927 it started producing clockwork lithographed tinplate O gage trains there as well.

Converse of subject

  • power: Powered by accurate clockwork that always shows you precise time Improved graphical engine.

Adjective modifier

  • like: Mr Watt, 22 Dec 04 Went like clockwork.
  • loose: By no stretch of fancy can the human mind connect together snuff and diamonds and wax and loose clockwork.

Modifies a noun

  • regularity: How we wonder is the almost clockwork regularity of RS infections to be explained otherwise?
  • orange: The hotel is also convenient for Glasgow's ' clockwork orange ' subway system.
  • toy: CHINA Nowadays more clockwork tin toys are made in China than anywhere else.
  • robot: Steven Moffat + the 18th century + killer clockwork robots = good stuff!
  • doll: Saw a good busker - clockwork doll to music, complete with spinning key!
  • precision: All went well, the bridges opening with clockwork precision in front of us.

Noun used with modifier

  • tinplate: Tin Toys From Other Countries Tinplate clockwork toys from India, Japan, Korea, and USA.
  • brass: Actual brass clockwork models of the solar system, orreries, bolstered this world view.
  • killer: Steven Moffat + the 18th century + killer clockwork robots = good stuff!

Possessives

  • bell: These range from built-in devices as part of the cooker to clockwork ' alarm bell ' types.
clockwork Quotes

Who ever heard of a clockwork orange? Then I read a malenky bit out loud in a sort of very high type preaching goloss: 'The attempt to impose upon man, a creature of growth and capable of sweetness, to ooze juicily at the last round the bearded lips of God, to attemptto impose,Isay, laws and conditions appropriate to a mechanical creation, against this I raise my sword- pen.'

—Wilson

I would have been disappointed if I hung up my pen without ever getting one†[and] now I hope to get one every 30 years like clockwork.

—1st Viscount

Browse dictionary entries near clockwork

  1. clockwise
  2. clockmaker
  3. clocklike
  4. clocking pulse
  5. clock radio
  6. clock
  7. cloche
  8. clochard
  9. clobber
  10. cloakroom
  1. clod
  2. clodhopper
  3. clodhoppers
  4. clodpoll
  5. clofibrate
  6. clog
  7. clog dance
  8. cloisonné
  9. cloister
  10. cloistered