Phrase guide

fire on all cylinders

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To operate as effectively as possible.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: hit on all six

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

In reference to an internal combustion engine, in which using all cylinders allows the engine to operate most effectively.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: tehdä täydellä teholla — to operate as effectively as possible
  • Polish: działać na pełnych obrotach — to operate as effectively as possible