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.

“The worst cog in the wheel has always been CEQA,” Rand said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2025

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

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