full speed ahead

full speed ahead

1. adjective Moving or proceeding with the utmost speed, energy, or enthusiasm. With all the legal hurdles behind us, it was full speed ahead as we began construction of the new resort. It took a while for solar panels to catch on for ordinary consumers, but now it's full speed ahead.
2. adverb As quickly and efficiently as possible; with all possible energy and determination. We'll have to go full speed ahead if we want to get this done by the deadline! We're ready to go full speed ahead once the health inspector signs off.
See also: ahead, full, speed
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

full speed ahead

Also, full steam ahead. As fast and as strongly as possible. For example, There's only one way we'll get there on time, so go full speed ahead, or Production would go full steam ahead as soon as the orders were confirmed. It is also put as with a full head of steam, as in She was traveling with a full head of steam-she was due there at noon. These expressions all allude to the steam engine, where full steam signifies that a boiler has developed maximum pressure. They became well known through an order allegedly given by Admiral David Farragut at the battle of Mobile Bay (1864): "Damn the torpedoes! Full steam ahead!"
See also: ahead, full, speed
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

full steam/speed aˈhead

with as much speed or energy as possible: We were working full steam ahead to finish the project by the end of April.This expression refers to the order given on a ship by the captain to the engine room.
See also: ahead, full, speed, steam
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • full steam/speed ahead
  • full steam ahead
  • speed merchant
  • a turn of speed
  • turn of speed
  • speed demon
  • clock (someone or something) at (a certain speed)
  • clock at
  • speed up
  • at full speed
References in periodicals archive
In terms of the drug war: Full speed ahead but make it more comprehensive.
The next 100 days going beyond the drug war
After that, it is full speed ahead for the play-offs, and a Knockout Cup semi-final against Rye House next month, the results of which could see the Diamonds racing every Sunday through to October 30.
Diamonds home in on perfect track record in their league finale; SPEEDWAY
In conducting its study, US Executives on M&A: Full Speed Ahead in 2016, KPMG surveyed 553 corporate and private equity leaders, M&A professionals, investors and advisors.
Majority of US corporate leaders anticipate making an acquisition in 2016
The liner steamed full speed ahead and steered a zig-zag course to avoid the enemy.
Stories from the ECHO during the war years; War Diary: May 31, 1915
DAYTON, Ohio (AP) -- The state may have been passed over as a drone testing site last year, but a western Ohio community college is moving full speed ahead on the development, teaching and application of drone technology.
Drone testing pursued by Sinclair CC
* FULL SPEED AHEAD: Huddersfield's thrash metal merchants Evile, from left, Joel Graham, Matt Drake, Ben Carter and Ol Drake, back on tour
Evile four su[pport announced
Following its recent purchase of 711 Stewart Avenue in Garden City, Metropolitan Realty Associates (MRA) announced the hiring of CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) as exclusive leasing agent as it moves full speed ahead with its big plans for the property.
CBRE tapped by Metropolitan
FULL SPEED AHEAD: Moors striker Simon Johnson looks to sprint away from Eastwood's Russell Cooke
SUPER-SUB MARC SEALS FIGHTBACK
As soon as the four-man group charged with the responsibility of identifying George Burley's successor knew Levein would be willing to open talks they decided to go full speed ahead.
LEVEIN IN SCOTS HOT SEAT THIS WEEK; SFA closing in on top target Craig
The US$90 million Vistas de San Juan project on the former Clarion Hotel complex next to the Puerto Rico Convention Center on Fernandez Juncos Ave in Miramar is moving full speed ahead, with the interior remodeling of the existing units completed, reports Caribbean Business (Oct .
Darlington remodeling
IT'S full speed ahead in Coventry for an unusual exhibition called The Art of Custom Bikes.
Brush Strokes
Crowe, Scott and Nottingham producer Brian Grazer had a preproduction meeting last week, and everything was full speed ahead," Freeman's spokesman said.
Russell Crowe, Ridley Scott's age old professional relationship on the rocks?
He responded by declaring that she was steering "full speed ahead for the rocks" and remained a trenchant critic.
POLITICS: Thatcher rebel Lord Gilmour dies
At the time of his removal from the post of Lord Privy Seal in 1981, Gilmour issued a dramatic statement claiming that Thatcher was steering "full speed ahead for the rocks".
Thatcher foe Gilmour dies
He will claim the Government is going "full speed ahead on moves which may lead to increased risk of devastation" by seeking to close fire control centres and allowing building on flood plains.
Be ready for more floods