cog in the wheel

Idioms

Also, cog in the machine. One who holds a minor but necessary post in a large organization, as in Frank knew he was just a cog in the wheel of this giant corporation. This term alludes to the role of the mechanical cog, one of the teeth on a wheel or gear that, by engaging other teeth, transmits or receives motion. Used figuratively since about 1930, it sometimes is put as small cog in a large wheel, emphasizing a person's lack of importance.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

cog in the wheel

Djaoui Cisse was a key cog in the wheel of a France side that reached the semi-finals at this year's championships.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2025

Most believe Reaves is the third cog in the wheel.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 10, 2023

They wanted to keep their place as a cog in the wheel.

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2022

Constitution are the real cog in the wheel of justice.

From Washington Times ● May 24, 2018

I have never been a cog in the wheel of any great concern.

From Our Friend John Burroughs by Barrus, Clara

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023