works every time

[kjc0123]

What is the meaning of "works every time" in the following sentences?

Sophie looked skeptical. "My friends who are devout Christians definitely believe that Christ literally walked on water, literally turned water into wine, and was born of a literal virgin birth."
"My point exactly," Langdon said. "Religious allegory has become a part of the fabric of reality. And living in that reality helps millions of people cope and be better people."
"But it appears their reality is false."
Langdon chuckled. "No more false than that of a mathematical cryptographer who believes in the imaginary number 'i' because it helps her break codes."
Sophie frowned. "That's not fair."
A moment passed.
"What was your question again?" Langdon asked.
"I can't remember."
He smiled. "Works every time."

[Lillabet]

"Works every time" refers to someone using a trick or tactic that they have found to always be effective.

In this case Langdon seems to be avoiding answering a question by starting a debate that continues until the original question has been forgotten. From his use of the phrase works every time I would read this as a deliberate tactic that he uses regularly when he either doesn't want to, or can't, answer something that he has been asked. 

[Peter Pedant]

Hi kay jay

Yeah Lillibet is right. Although work is used in a rather odd way. A clockwork toy 'works' when it is wound up and then goes through its routine. So in this sense, a magic trick works, when the magician takes the bunny from the hat and all the little children go ooooh!

and so works every time means that the trick never goes wrong. How are you getting along with the da vinci code? I'll have to start reading it myself!

[shivvy]

has anyone not read the Davinci code?!!