Every team member is an essential cog in the machine, without whom the project would not succeed.
She was a valuable cog in the machine, bringing unique skills and perspective to the team.
As a small cog in the machine, I know my role is important but limited.
She felt like just a cog in the machine, with no real impact on the company's success.
Employees were often made to feel like replaceable cogs in the machine, easily swapped out for someone else.