mainsprings
Chief driving forces
Mainsprings are the coiled metal strips that store energy in mechanical watches and clocks, unwinding slowly to power the movement.
The term extends figuratively to anything that drives or motivates: Curiosity and ambition were the mainsprings of her career.
A mainspring is the chief force behind something—its primary source of power or impetus.
Operate a vehicle
- ambitionDesire for achievement
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- impetusForce initiating action
- catalystAgent enabling change
stimulus · incentive · willpower · perseverance · tenacity · initiative · zeal · aspiration
Point of origin
- genesisPoint of creation
- beginningInitial stage of something
- inceptionFounding moment
- foundationUnderlying support structure
roots · fount · fountainhead · wellspring · seedbed · cradle · core · heart
drive
Operate a vehicle
- ambitionDesire for achievement
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- impetusForce initiating action
catalyst · stimulus · incentive · willpower · perseverance · tenacity · initiative · zeal · aspiration · enthusiasm
source
Point of origin
foundation · roots · fount · fountainhead · wellspring · seedbed · cradle · core · heart · essence
escapement
Tick-controlling clock component
coil · tension · torque · clockwork · movement · timekeeping · jewels · lubrication · automatic · caliber
- timekeepingclock, watch, watches, clocks, timer
- Swiss ExportsSwiss watches, Swiss chocolate, Swiss banks, Rolex, Lindt
mainspringsobstacles
Things in the way
impediments · byproducts · side effects · hindrances · barriers
mainspringsbrakes
Devices for stopping motion
dampers · retarders · escapements · gears · regulators