work like a dream: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘work like a dream’ mean?
The idiom work like a dream means that something is functioning perfectly or very well, without any problems or difficulties.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "you can't say fairer than that" means that a situation or offer is as fair as it could possibly be, leaving no room for complaint or criticism.
"Work the room" is an idiom that means to circulate and interact with people in a social setting, usually with the intention of making connections or gaining influence.
The idiom "work the crowd" means to engage with and interact effectively with a large group of people, often in a public or social setting. It implies being skilled at managing and connecting with a diverse audience to achieve a desired outcome, such as gaining support or attention.
The idiom "work someone's ass off" means to make someone work extremely hard or exert a great deal of effort. It implies intense labor or a demanding workload.
The idiom "work someone's arse off" means to work extremely hard or put in a lot of effort to achieve a task or goal.
The idiom "work one's fingers to the bone" means to work extremely hard and tirelessly, often to the point of exhaustion, in order to achieve a goal or complete a task.
The idiom "work into the ground" means to exhaust or overwork someone to the point of physical or mental fatigue.
The idiom "working girl" refers to a woman who is employed in a job that typically involves manual labor or providing services, often with implications of being in a lower social or economic position.
The idiom "worked up" means to be in a state of agitation, anxiety, or excitement. It often implies that someone is overly emotional or upset about something, sometimes to the point of becoming irrational or exaggerated in their reactions.
The Mythical Efficiency
The idiom "work like a dream" is commonly used in American English to describe something that functions exceptionally well or smoothly. It emphasizes the efficiency and effectiveness of the object, system, or plan in question, highlighting its flawless performance. The phrase "like a dream" suggests that the action or process unfolds effortlessly, just as a dream occurs seamlessly and without interruption.
In this idiom, the word "work" refers to the action or operation of a mechanism, tool, or even a person. However, it should be noted that in this particular idiom, "work" is not limited to physical labor but rather encompasses a broader meaning of functioning, accomplishing, or achieving a desired outcome.
The use of the word "like" introduces a simile, comparing the smoothness and ease of the functioning or performance to that of a dream. Dreams are often associated with a sense of effortlessness and perfection, as they occur in our minds without any conscious control or interruption. Therefore, saying that something "works like a dream" signifies its ideal functionality or execution.
This idiom can be used in various contexts, both in professional and personal settings. For example, one might say that a new computer software program "works like a dream" if it operates flawlessly and meets all user expectations. Likewise, people might use this expression to describe a recipe that produces a meal that tastes delicious and is executed with ease.
Additionally, the idiom "work like a dream" can be used metaphorically to describe the successful accomplishment of a plan or project. It suggests that the process of achieving the desired outcome was smooth, efficient, and free from complications or obstacles. The idiom underscores the notion of a task being completed effortlessly and perfectly, resembling the idealized nature of dreams.
The idiom "work like a dream" conveys the idea of something functioning exceptionally well or smoothly, much like the seamless unfolding of a dream. This figurative usage emphasizes the efficiency and success of a task, whether it involves the operation of a device, the execution of a plan, or the accomplishment of a project. By using this idiom, individuals can effectively express their satisfaction and admiration for something that has been executed with perfection and grace.
The idiom "in one's dreams" is closely related to "work like a dream." It is used to express skepticism or doubt regarding the possibility or likelihood of a particular outcome. When someone says "in one's dreams," they are essentially saying that the described situation or result is highly unlikely or unrealistic. This idiom adds a touch of humor or sarcasm to the conversation, as it implies that the idea being discussed is purely wishful thinking.
For example, if someone suggests that they could easily beat a professional tennis player, another person might respond with "in your dreams!" This response effectively dismisses the first person's claim as unrealistic or improbable. By contrast, when someone says that something "works like a dream," they are emphasizing its exceptional performance and efficiency.
The idiom "like a champ" is another related expression that shares similarities with "work like a dream." It is used to describe someone or something that performs exceptionally well or effortlessly in a particular task or situation. When someone does something "like a champ," it means they do it with skill, confidence, and success.
This idiom is often used to praise and commend someone for their extraordinary performance. For example, if a soccer player scores a goal with ease and skill, their teammates might say, "You played like a champ out there!" Similarly, if a chef prepares a delicious meal with precision and flair, they may be complimented by saying, "You cooked like a champ tonight."
The idiom "work like a dream" conveys the idea of something functioning exceptionally well or smoothly. It emphasizes the efficiency and success of a task, whether it involves a device, a plan, or a project. This idiom can be used in various contexts and provides a way to express satisfaction and admiration for something executed with perfection. Additionally, the idioms "in one's dreams" and "like a champ" are closely related and offer alternative ways to express skepticism or praise for a particular outcome.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *work like a dream* can be used in a sentence:
- Her new laptop works like a dream; it's fast and efficient.
- After repairing the engine, the car now works like a dream; it runs smoothly without any issues.
- The new software update works like a dream; it has fixed all the previous bugs and glitches.
More "Efficiency" idioms
