Now that we have a plan, we are really cooking with gas.
cooking with gas
idiomFunctioning particularly effectively; achieving something substantial.
Origin
first recorded 20th c.To cook with natural gas fuel has been occurring since at least the 19th century when the petroleum industry came into being and new products and markets were developed. The idiomatic phrase entered the popular lexicon as part of an advertising slogan in late 1930s or early 1940s, for American Gas Association. The slogan "Now you're cooking with gas!" was coined by Deke Houlgate, an employee of AGA, who worked with Bob Hope to insert the phrase into his comedy routines as subtle product placement. The initial idea was to compete with the increasing popularity of electric stoves in the 1930s. However by 1940 it came to have a broader idiomatic usage and figurative meaning because of the way it was used by Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny and even a Daffy Duck cartoon, eclipsing its original intent as advertising. The slogan was repeated throughout the 1941-1942 radio season by many radio stars. Also used by jazz musicians to praise a performance.
The team struggled at first, but after they hired a new manager, they started cooking with gas.
Once the engineers resolved the technical errors in the prototype, the entire project began cooking with gas, moving toward completion at an impressive pace.
- 01
gas and air
An equal mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, used as a mild analgesic and anaesthetic, particularly during childbirth, for dental procedures, and in emergency medicine.
- 02
have a gas
Have a good time.
- 03
hit the gas
To go; go faster.
- 04
now you're cooking
Used to praise someone for adopting a more effective or suitable method or approach, or to signal that progress is being made.
- 05
what's cooking
A greeting, similar to how are you?; what's happening?; what's up?; what's new?