Maintaining order is essential in various aspects of life, from personal routines to organizational structures. Idioms that describe order help convey the importance and benefits of organization and discipline. Here are 20 idioms that illustrate different facets of order, each with a concise meaning and example sentence.
1. In Apple-Pie Order
Meaning: Perfectly organized.
Example: Her desk was always in apple-pie order.
2. In the Nick of Time
Meaning: Just in time.
Example: He arrived in the nick of time for the meeting.
3. Keep One’s Ducks in a Row
Meaning: Be well-organized.
Example: She always keeps her ducks in a row at work.
4. Buttoned Up
Meaning: Fully prepared.
Example: The project was buttoned up well before the deadline.
5. On the Ball
Meaning: Alert and efficient.
Example: The manager is always on the ball with her tasks.
6. On Track
Meaning: Proceeding as planned.
Example: The team is on track to finish the project early.
7. In Sync
Meaning: Working harmoniously.
Example: The team members are in sync with each other.
8. All Systems Go
Meaning: Everything is ready.
Example: After months of preparation, it’s all systems go.
9. In Step
Meaning: In harmony.
Example: The dancers moved in step with the music.
10. Shipshape
Meaning: Neat and tidy.
Example: The kitchen was left shipshape after dinner.
11. Running Like Clockwork
Meaning: Working smoothly.
Example: The event ran like clockwork thanks to careful planning.
12. On an Even Keel
Meaning: Steady and balanced.
Example: Despite the challenges, they kept things on an even keel.
13. By the Book
Meaning: Following rules exactly.
Example: The accountant does everything by the book.
14. Method to the Madness
Meaning: Order in chaos.
Example: There was a method to his madness in arranging the files.
15. Well-Oiled Machine
Meaning: Functioning smoothly.
Example: The company operates like a well-oiled machine.
16. Spick and Span
Meaning: Very clean.
Example: The house was spick and span before the guests arrived.
17. In Line
Meaning: In order.
Example: All the documents were in line for review.
18. On Point
Meaning: Perfectly accurate.
Example: Her presentation was on point and very well received.
19. In Fine Fettle
Meaning: In good condition.
Example: The garden was in fine fettle after the spring cleaning.
20. Tickety-Boo
Meaning: Going well.
Example: Everything was tickety-boo after the new system was installed.
