Run a tight ship

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Meaning

To manage strictly or well, all in line.

Origin

From 20th-century Britain, tied to navy; 'tight ship' meant order, slang by 1930s for rule. A 1935 'Times' uses it for a firm boss.

Variants

  • Tight ship

Usage Examples

  • She runs a tight ship; no slack here.
  • Run a tight ship; keep it sharp.
  • He's running a tight ship; all on.

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