The Meaning of “Clockwork Orange”

Clockwork Orange is a phrase that originated from the title of Anthony Burgess’s novel published in 1962. The term has since been used in various contexts and has become synonymous with the idea of a person or society that appears to be functioning perfectly, but is actually driven by something sinister.

  • English Word Type: Noun Phrase
  • American English Pronunciation: /ˈklɑːk.wɜːrk ˈɔːr.ɪndʒ/
  • Synonyms: Mechanized Orange
  • Easily Confused with: Clockwork and Orange which have separate meanings

Examples in Context:

  • His perfect grooming and impeccable manners hid the fact that he was a clockwork orange, programmed and manipulated by the cult he belonged to.
  • She seemed like an innocent college student, but her online profile revealed a clockwork orange who spent her nights trolling and cyberbullying others.