We give you examples and sometimes notes on usage . Today we talk about expressions related to keeping on time . To help us plan our time , we use tools — namely clocks and watches . If something happens at the exact same time every day it is predictable . When an event is very regular , we can say we could “set our watch by it .” And that is our first expression – to set your watch by something . You might hear someone using it like this : Regina leaves her house to go to work every weekday at exactly 7a.m — never a minute earlier or later . You can set your watch by it . In this example , you could say that Regina is a “creature of habit .” This means she sticks to her plan no matter what happens . And that is why you can set your watch by her . This expression can also describe someone who is always on time . They are reliable and punctual – like in this example . John said he'd be here at 3 p.m . and it's 2:45 p.m . If he's late , we'll miss our train ! If John said he will be here , then he will be here . He's always right on time . You could set your watch by him . Now , let's talk about clocks : devices that tell time . Some events or activities happen easily and on time . And some systems operate without a problem . If everything is going as planned , we can say it is “running like clockwork .” Clockwork is a system of wheels and springs inside mechanical clocks . The term means something that is carefully made which runs smoothly and on time . Once , I ran a two-week teacher training class . It took a lot of work to organize and had “many moving parts ,” or things that needed to be done . But I'm happy to say that the training ran like clockwork ! Here is another way to say that : The training went off “without a hitch .” Here , “hitch ” is a problem . To run like clockwork means to operate with extreme regularity . Some word experts say that using a clock mechanism to describe other areas of our lives dates from at least the late seventeenth century . Now , listen to this example : For a big company event , we rented a conference room in a big hotel . But we only had the space until 3 p.m . And we had a lot of issues to cover . Luckily , the event ran like clockwork . We got all our work done and still had time left over to have a little fun ! The expression “run like clockwork ” can also mean to operate , manage , control , or direct something in a very smooth , efficient , reliable manner . Used this way , a noun or pronoun is used between "run " and "like clockwork ." Here are some examples : When the new manager took over , he wanted to run the office like clockwork . So , he made the workers take lunch at set times every day . When I lived in Seattle , I ran a children's theater festival like clockwork . All the performances were on time and everyone had a blast ! Years ago in Washington , DC , I ran a children's summer camp like clockwork . All the activities were on time , and all the children had a blast . But we'll be back at the same time next week because this show runs like clockwork . You can set your clock by it !