full steam ahead

Related to full steam ahead: Full Speed Ahead, a far cry from, make a mark, here goes nothing, when push comes to shove

full steam ahead

1. adjective Moving or proceeding with the utmost speed, energy, or enthusiasm. With all the legal hurdles behind us, it was full steam 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 steam ahead.
2. adverb As quickly and efficiently as possible; with all possible energy and determination. We'll have to go full steam ahead if we want to get this done by the deadline! We're ready to go full steam ahead once the health inspector signs off.
See also: ahead, full, steam
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

full steam ahead

Fig. onward with determination. We started moving full steam ahead on the project. Full steam ahead! Let's see how fast this will go!
See also: ahead, full, steam
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

full steam ahead

If you go full steam ahead with a project, you start to do it with great energy and determination. Note: The following expressions refer to the use of steam to provide power for a machine, especially a steam engine. The Government was determined to go full steam ahead with its privatisation programme. The Prime Minister declared it was full steam ahead for a fourth term of government.
See also: ahead, full, steam
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

full steam (or speed) ahead

used to indicate that you should proceed with as much speed or energy as possible.
See also: ahead, full, steam
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

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:
  • do or die
  • do or die, to
  • as the day is long
  • bulletproof
  • appropriate for
  • a little
  • as the next person
  • as (something) as the next man/woman/person
  • as as the next man
  • as good, well, etc. as the next person
References in periodicals archive
Sometimes we can run full steam ahead with our own plans without asking God in prayer if they are HIS plans.
SUNDAY SERMON
I REFER to the article, Full Steam Ahead for Trip into the Past (DP, Oct 9), in which Peter Elson states that the Daily Post's York Yuletide Express on December 14 will feature the first visit to Liverpool of the Jubilee class steam locomotive Leander since withdrawal in 1964.
Letter: Leander's return
FULL STEAM AHEAD: A welder at work on the steam locomotive which is under construction in Darlington.
Railway project really making history
JONJO O'NEILL yesterday insisted that no physical reason contributed to Black Jack Ketchum's first defeat at Cheltenham on Saturday and declared that it was "full steam ahead" for the World Hurdle favourite.
Horse Racing: O'Neill: it's full steam ahead for Black Jack
'It is now full steam ahead for the start of the season in September.'
Dragons sponsors
Globally, Asia plowed full steam ahead in 2003 while IPO activity in the U.S.
Global IPO market surges, says Ernst & Young report
It was full steam ahead with celebrations for two local firms who together have clocked up 140 years in business.
Post people: Linked by history
CORK: 5.25 Zylan, 5.55 Full Steam Ahead, 6.25 Little Sweetheart, 6.55 Photo Call, 7.25 Dalkova, 7.55 Tarana, 8.25 Teochrios.
TOMORROW'S TIPS
It is full steam ahead now with our plans and work is expected to start on site during the summer holidays."
PS11m college hub gets the nod
FULL STEAM AHEAD: Engines let off steam at the annual Birkenhead Park Festival of Transport
Thousands flock to Festival of Transport
TEAM GB's ever-rising medal count is all well and good but, in far more exciting news, the Spice Girls' Olympics closing ceremony performance really is going full steam ahead.
TEAM SPICE ON THEIR MARKS
IT'S now full steam ahead for Travis Dickinson in his quest to capture the English light-heavyweight crown.
Travis has the crown in sight
Continuing with the train theme it's full steam ahead as Transport for London are sacking 800 staff on the underground only to replace them with unpaid jobseekers provided by - yes, you guessed it, the Government's new work programme!
Cutting jobs cost; Your say
IT'S full steam ahead today at the Stoneleigh Model Railway Show.
Back on track - Edward, aged 101; TheDailyPreview MODEL RAILWAY SHOW Stoneleigh Park
"If I can manage that it will be full steam ahead in pre-season."
Football: John ruled out again