to operate smoothly and efficiently
reibungslos und effizient arbeiten (reibungslos und effizient arbeiten)
"The production line runs like clockwork these days."
"Die Produktionslinie läuft wie am Schnürchen in diesen Tagen." (die produktionslinie **lauft wie am schnurchen** in diesen tagen)
to succeed despite many difficulties or challenges
to discuss something without reaching a conclusion
to be honest and trustworthy
a new beginning after difficulties or mistakes
attempting to obtain sensitive information by disguising one...
Things often seem worst just before they improve.