The team is firing on all cylinders today.
fire on all cylinders
idiomTo operate as effectively as possible.
Origin
disputed originIn reference to an internal combustion engine, in which using all cylinders allows the engine to operate most effectively.
After a slow start to the season, the players are finally firing on all cylinders and winning every game.
With the new management team in place and the supply chain fully restored, the company is once again firing on all cylinders.
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add fuel to the fire
To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.
- 02
ball of fire
A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.
- 03
catch fire
To become engulfed in flames, to combust.
- 04
draw fire
To create a distraction that allows one's friends, co-workers, or other associates to gain an advantage over the distracted party.
- 05
escape fire
An unconventional or counterintuitive solution to a difficult problem.
- 06
feed the fire
Synonym of add fuel to the fire.
- 07
fight fire with fire
To respond to an attack with a similar or identical counter-attack (e.g. to respond to gunfire with reciprocal gunfire).
- 08
fight fires
To deal with urgent matters and minor emergencies rather than longer-term work.
Last updated April 17, 2026