a wheel with teeth that fits into another wheel or part to make a machine move, a small part in a large organization or system

grease the cogs, cog in the wheel, throw a cog in the machine

Formal and Informal Expressions of cogs

In different contexts, you can replace 'cogs' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'component, element, part' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'thing' is a commonplace synonym.

cogs: Explore its Definition & Usage

cogs Definition

1a wheel with teeth that fits into another wheel or part to make a machine move
2a small part in a large organization or system

Using cogs: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cogs" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The cogs in the machine were not working properly.
Example
He was just a small cog in the company's vast machinery.
Example
The cogs of bureaucracy turn slowly.

cogs Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cogs

Phrases with cogs

grease the cogs
to do something to help a system or organization work better
Example
We need to grease the cogs of this project to ensure its success.
cog in the wheel
a person who plays a small or unimportant role in a large organization or system
Example
He was just a cog in the wheel of the company's vast machinery.
throw a cog in the machine
to cause problems or disruptions in a system or organization
Example
Her sudden resignation threw a cog in the machine, delaying the project's progress.

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Summary: cogs in Brief

'Cogs' [kɒɡz] refer to wheels with teeth that fit into other parts to make machines move. It also refers to small parts in large organizations or systems. Examples include 'The cogs in the machine were not working properly,' and 'He was just a small cog in the company's vast machinery.' Phrases like 'grease the cogs' denote actions that help systems work better, while 'throw a cog in the machine' means causing disruptions.