push the boat out

push the boat out

To put forth the maximum amount of effort and/or resources toward some product or event. It's clear that they've pushed the boat out with this device, as they try to reinvigorate their brand after a decade-long slump in sales. The company really pushed the boat out for Sam's retirement party, making it a gala affair and sparing no expense.
See also: boat, out, push
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

push the boat out

BRITISH
If you push the boat out, you spend a lot of money in order to celebrate something or have a very enjoyable time. I earn enough to push the boat out now and again. Keep an eye on James. He's likely to push the boat out among his friends. Note: This expression may come from people having a farewell party before setting sail on a voyage.
See also: boat, out, push
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

push the boat out

be lavish in your spending or celebrations. British informal
Push the boat out apparently originated as mid 20th-century naval slang meaning ‘pay for a round of drinks’.
See also: boat, out, push
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

push the ˈboat out

(British English, informal) spend a lot of money on food, drinks, etc. when celebrating a special occasion: They really pushed the boat out for their daughter’s wedding. OPPOSITE: pinch pennies
See also: boat, out, push
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • break (one's) balls
  • break balls
  • break balls to do something
  • break one’s balls
  • break a sweat
  • bend (one's) efforts
  • bend your mind/efforts to something
  • beat (one's) brains out
  • beat brains
  • beat one’s brains out
References in periodicals archive
CHELMARSH Sailing Club and Shropshire Sailing Club are inviting all-comers to try sailing for free as a month of RYA Push The Boat Out 'have a go' events launches across Shropshire this weekend.
Chelmarsh SC, near Bridgnorth, is opening its doors for the local community to get on board for a new adventure on Saturday, while Shropshire SC, near Ellesmere, will Push The Boat Out on Sunday.
Sailing clubs are set to push the boat out; SAILING
TYNEMOUTH Sailing Club is among hundreds of clubs around the UK opening their doors to visitors during the Royal Yachting Association's Push The Boat Out week.
"Clubs across our region are taking part in Push The Boat Out, from Berwick in the north to Scaling Dam and Teesdale in the south."
Sail clubs Push the Boat out in bid to boost their profile; SAILING
LEISURE Time to push the boat out BIRMINGHAM maybe a landlocked city but that's no excuse not to take to the waters this spring.
Time to push the boat; LEISURE
Clubs including Scaling Dam and Tees and Hartlepool will be hosting open days and events between Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 17, as part of The Royal Yachting Association's (RYA's) Push the Boat Out initiative.
Clubs keen to get people involved in sailing
PENARTH Yacht Club signed up more than 20 new members and booked up their sailing lessons thanks to opening the club as part of the national campaign to Push the Boat Out.
Penarth YC get wind in their sails; SAILING
We couldn't afford much but then we didn't want to push the boat out on a very expensive venue.
Why shell out thousands? Views of the North
With plenty for Brit Pop fans of old to love, as well as a healthy tendency to push the boat out a bit more in stylistic terms, Gallagher Sr has got plenty to be flying high about regarding this attempt to go it alone.
BEST ROCK
Chelmarsh SC, near Bridgnorth, is opening its doors for the local community to get on-board for a new adventure on Saturday, while Shropshire SC, near Ellesmere, will Push The Boat Out on Sunday.
Sailing clubs Push the Boat Out
The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Push the Boat Out initiative is now in its fourth year and is gathering strength every year.
Clubs are ready to Push the Boat Out; SAILING
EARLSWOOD Lakes Sailing Club in Solihull hopes to get dozens out on the water on RYA Push the Boat Out weekend.
Time to go sailing
SAILING clubs and centres across the country - incuding the North East - welcomed more than 24,000 visitors during the Royal Yachting Association's Push the Boat Out weekend.
Pushing the boat out in real style; SAILING
PEOPLE of all ages and abilities in and around the Birmingham area are being invited to 'have a go' at sailing and windsurfing when the county's sailing clubs and watersports centres open their doors for national RYA Push the Boat Out weekend next month.
City pushes boat out for big water sports weekend
PEOPLE of all ages and abilities in Birmingham will be invited to 'have a go' at sailing and windsurfing when the county's sailing clubs and watersports centres open their doors for national RYA Push the Boat Out weekend next month.
Public urged to push boat out; SAILING