Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

run like a top

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.20 in modern English

Syllables
run -like a -top
IPA
17
Scrabble Score
11
Letters
3
Syllables
11
Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To operate flawlessly and smoothly.

Example Sentences

Etymology

Derived from comparison to the smooth, balanced manner of the operation of a spinning top.

Inflected Forms

runs like a top (present, singular) running like a top (participle, present) ran like a top (past)

Phrases

like clockwork

Frequently Paired Words

like clockwork

Antonyms

like shit

Questions

What does run like a top mean?
To operate flawlessly and smoothly.
Where does run like a top come from?
Derived from comparison to the smooth, balanced manner of the operation of a spinning top.

How to pronounce run like a top

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “run like a top”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “run like a top”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “run like a top” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.