A2 Idiom Neutral

Estar como un reloj.

Be like clockwork.

Meaning

To be very punctual or consistent.

🌍

Cultural Background

Punctuality is highly valued in professional settings, and this phrase is a common way to praise it. While social time can be flexible, this phrase is used to highlight someone who is exceptionally reliable. Used frequently in urban centers like Buenos Aires to describe efficient public transport or work habits. Used to compliment someone who is organized and keeps their word.

💡

Gender Matters

Remember that 'reloj' is masculine, so always use 'un' (not 'una').

🎯

Use with 'funcionar'

Using 'funcionar como un reloj' is a great way to sound more natural when talking about objects.

Meaning

To be very punctual or consistent.

💡

Gender Matters

Remember that 'reloj' is masculine, so always use 'un' (not 'una').

🎯

Use with 'funcionar'

Using 'funcionar como un reloj' is a great way to sound more natural when talking about objects.

Test Yourself

Fill in the missing word.

Mi rutina funciona como un ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: reloj

The idiom is 'como un reloj'.

Which sentence is correct?

Choose the correct usage.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Él es como un reloj.

Requires the article 'un' and singular noun.

Complete the dialogue.

A: ¿Llegaste tarde? B: No, llegué ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: como un reloj

The context is punctuality.

Match the situation to the phrase.

You want to say your car is fixed and perfect.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mi coche es como un reloj.

Used for machines working perfectly.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the missing word. Fill Blank A2

Mi rutina funciona como un ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: reloj

The idiom is 'como un reloj'.

Which sentence is correct? Choose A2

Choose the correct usage.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Él es como un reloj.

Requires the article 'un' and singular noun.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

A: ¿Llegaste tarde? B: No, llegué ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: como un reloj

The context is punctuality.

Match the situation to the phrase. situation_matching B1

You want to say your car is fixed and perfect.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mi coche es como un reloj.

Used for machines working perfectly.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions

Yes, it is a great way to compliment someone's punctuality.

No, it is a positive idiom.

The idiom is fixed, you cannot change 'reloj' to another object.

Related Phrases

🔄

En punto

synonym

Exactly on time

🔗

Ser puntual

similar

To be punctual

🔗

Ir sobre ruedas

similar

To go smoothly

🔗

A tiempo

similar

On time

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