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all-out
[ awl-out ]
adjective
- using all one's resources; complete; total:
an all-out effort.
Synonyms: , ,
all-out
adjective
- using one's maximum powers
an all-out effort
adverb
- to one's maximum effort or capacity
he went all out on the home stretch
Word History and Origins
Origin of all-out1
Idioms and Phrases
With all one's strength, ability, or resources; not holding back. For example, They are going all out to make the fund-raiser a success . This seemingly modern term dates from about 1300, when it meant “completely” or “wholly.” It now refers to making a great effort and is also used adjectivally, as in an all-out effort . This usage became current in America in the late 1800s, with reference to races and other kinds of athletic exertion. In the mid-1900s it gave rise to the phrase to go all out and was transferred to just about any energetic undertaking. Also see go whole hog .Example Sentences
Since its return to power in January, and over the last month, the Trump administration has launched an all-out assault on the press and news media.
Trump and Musk’s all-out assault on “diversity, equality and inclusion” in government and education are borne of the same regimented, authoritarian monoculture that ultimately weakens a robust multicultural society.
Do they go all-out to win the FA Cup - or make finishing in the top five the priority?
The levies on China, however, have led to an all-out trade war with the world's second largest economy.
The all-out strike by Unite members over plans to downgrade some refuse workers, who could lose thousands of pounds a year each, started on 11 March.
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More About All-out
does all-out mean?
All-out describes using all of your resources or energy to accomplish something, as in Talya made an all-out effort on her midterm exams.
The related phrase all out usually follows go and means to make a total effort, as in Jamal’s parents really went all out for his birthday party, treating all the guests to helicopter rides!
Example: The away team won the game because they went for an all-out attack on the home team.
Where does all-out come from?
The first records of the term all-out come from around 1905, while the phrase all out dates back to at least 1300. It comes from the Middle English phrase al out.
An all-out effort can be either a physical or mental effort. When you put on a burst of speed at the end of a marathon, you’re physically going all-out. When you study for several weeks for a big exam, you’re mentally going all-out.
Did you know … ?
How is all-out used in real life?
All-out is a common term often used in casual conversations.
It’s an all-out race to 5G and no one knows where the finish line is.
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD)
Vogel: "I couldn't be more proud of our group. All-out effort and perseverance."
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers)
I'm a firm believer in going all-out for the . If you can't wear it here, where can you wear it?
— Coco Rocha (@cocorocha)
Try using all-out!
Which of the following is NOT a synonym for all-out?
A. full-blown
B. full-scale
C. maximum
D. half-hearted
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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