well-oiled
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of well-oiled
First recorded in 1730–40
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.
As for the prognosis for these companies, note that at each of these well-oiled machines, succession is considered mission critical.
From Barron's
“Fox is an incredibly well-oiled machine,” Klein said.
From Los Angeles Times
He ran a well-oiled machine, with members of his inner circle performing specific roles.
My partner and my adult daughter worked together like a well-oiled machine during this trying time.
From MarketWatch
The hosts defended well but had to do so in numbers against a Kangaroos side that looked a well-oiled machine whenever they advanced with their attacking threat.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.