a tight ship
A very well-organized and efficiently operating place, group, or organization. Jane sure ran a tight ship when she worked here—the whole place has started falling apart without her. A: "I must say, I'm impressed with your battalion, commander." B: "Thank you, sir. I try to keep a tight ship."
tight ship
A well-managed organization, as in The camp director runs a tight ship. This metaphoric term alludes to a ship in which the ropes are taut and by extension the ship is strictly managed. [Second half of 1900s]
tight ship
A well-managed and efficient business, household, or organization: We run a tight ship.