clockwork

[ klok-wurk ]
/ ˈklɒkˌwɜrk /

noun

the mechanism of a clock.
any mechanism similar to that of a clock.

Idioms for clockwork

    like clockwork, with perfect regularity or precision: The launching of the spacecraft went off like clockwork.

Origin of clockwork

First recorded in 1620–30; clock1 + work

British Dictionary definitions for like clockwork

clockwork
/ (ˈklɒkˌwɜːk) /

noun

the mechanism of a clock
any similar mechanism, as in a wind-up toy
like clockwork with complete regularity and precision

Idioms and Phrases with like clockwork

like clockwork

Also, regular as clockwork. With extreme regularity, as in Ruth arrives every Wednesday morning just like clockwork, or You can count on his schedule, which is regular as clockwork, or Their assembly line runs like clockwork. This idiom alludes to the mechanical and therefore very regular action of a clock. [Second half of 1600s]