clockwork
n[U]
1 mechanism with wheels and springs, like that of a clock (有似时钟的齿轮和发条的)机械
[attrib 作定语]
a clockwork toy, ie one driven by clockwork 机械玩具
with clockwork (ie absolute) precision 极精确
as regular as clockwork, ie very punctual 总是非常准时.
2 (idm 习语) like `clockwork with perfect regularity and precision; smoothly 极有规律性和准确性地; 顺利地; 精确地
The operation went like clockwork. 手术进行得极为顺利.