Idiomatic translation of “Firing on all cylinders”

Question

I'm looking for the nearest comparable phrase to this in Russian. This is a relatively common expression meaning to be working at peak performance. I think more often than not it has the connotation of peak mental performance or at least does when used in a negative manner.

The nearest one I can find is perhaps

уходить с головой

like

с головой уходить в работу

but this doesn't necessarily have the connotation of performing well but being engaged.

Answer 1

I think, you can use also "работать на всю катушку". "работать на полную катушку".

or "вкалывать" instead "работать" - it's a slang verb..

Or "работать/вкалывать на всех парах" (about steam-engine). This isn't a very accurate and common use of this metaphor, but I think it is acceptable. Usually there is an emphasis on the speed of movement "Вася летел на всех парах" - but I think, and this option will be clear and figurative.

These idioms are sounds more technical.

Answer 2

For a translation more stylistically close to the original you can use "на всех парАх" (in terms of the steam engine) or "врубил/включил четвёртую/пятую/высшую передачу" (in terms of automotive manual shift gears).

These idioms are mostly used about literal and figural movements but can be applied for any type of activity.

Answer 3

There are some expressions close to 'firing on all cilinders' in the Russian language. But as far as I understand this one needs something about extremely hard work.I think 'работать как проклятый' is the best because it's about both mental and physical work.Example:

1. Он всю неделю работал как проклятый, но закончил статью.
2. Он работал как проклятый, и скоро дом был достроен.

Answer 4

You can try also

Работать в полную мощность

which is less idiomatic but fairly accurate.