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Glite Dictionary
on cruise control

on cruise control

1 5.5
Work continues with little effort because things are steady
  • idiom
  • Informal
translation icon : en piloto automático
  • After we solved the initial issues, the project was on cruise control and ran smoothly from then on.

But what happens is a human, we're on cruise control and I need you to get out of cruise control.

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Examples

  • Could you be on cruise control concerning your religion like a lot of Christians are?

    Blog text (27)

  • It's okay, it's on cruise control.

    Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013)

  • And we're on cruise control.

    Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)

  • The Christian world is in trouble because the people went on cruise control and forgot why they were Christians.

    Blog text (27)

  • "Could you be on cruise control concerning your religion like a lot of Christians are?"

    Blog text (27)

  • After finishing the main project, we were on cruise control for the rest of the semester.

  • Once the routine was established, the team was on cruise control and met all their deadlines effortlessly.

Synonyms

under control
vson cruise control
405 2.5

Managed so it is calm and not dangerous

continues with little supervision rather than through active regulation
on track
vson cruise control
171 3.4

Moving forward as planned to reach a goal

keeps moving with little effort once progress or stability is achieved
running smoothly
vson cruise control
22 2.7

Working without problems or interruptions

continues requiring minimal effort or supervision rather than just being problem-free
on autopilot
vson cruise control
  • Informal
20 4.1

Doing tasks without thinking because of habit

operates with little oversight but still may involve conscious monitoring
steady-as-she-goes
vson cruise control
  • Informal
7.7

Careful action that avoids sudden changes or risks

maintains movement with minimal oversight rather than active cautious management

Antonyms

struggling
3.9

Having trouble because of not enough money, success, or recognition

How Effortless

on cruise control
  • Informal
1 5.5

Surface Forms

on cruise control positive
on-cruise-control positive

Morphology

on + cruise + control

The phrase is compositionally clear: 'cruise' (steady travel) + 'control' (a regulating mechanism) with 'on' indicates the device/state is active, so the literal meaning of a vehicle setting is directly derivable from the parts. The broader, figurative use meaning 'operating with minimal effort or oversight' is a metaphorical extension of that literal concept and is inferable but not fully predictable for a B1 learner without prior exposure.

Etymology

On cruise control comes from the car feature cruise control, which keeps a car at a steady speed so the driver does not have to press the gas. So when something is on cruise control, it keeps going with 'little effort' or 'little attention'.