ENGLISH
REFERENCE

make the world go around

idiom
Meaning

To play an essential role in causing the things in life to work as they should; to underlie the fulfillment of the needs of human existence.


Examples
SIMPLE

Some people say that money makes the world go around.

CONTEXTUAL

In a busy city, the constant exchange of goods and services is what truly makes the world go around.

COMPLEX

While poets often argue that love makes the world go around, economists maintain that it is the relentless engine of global trade that sustains our modern civilization.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  2. 02

    all dressed up and nowhere to go

    Elaborately attired or otherwise fully prepared for an anticipated situation or activity which, nevertheless, fails to occur.

  3. 03

    all over the world

    throughout the world, everywhere, worldwide, globally.

  4. 04

    all systems go

    Everything is ready.

  5. 05

    as you go

    While one is doing (something); as one progresses.

  6. 06

    best of both worlds

    A combination of two seemingly contradictory benefits.

  7. 07

    boldly go where no man has gone before

    To break new ground.

  8. 08

    cannot make it

    Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.

Last updated April 17, 2026