all-out

all-out

Taking, requiring, or using all of one's effort or resources toward something; complete, total, or all-encompassing. I've been stuck in this cubicle for years now. I'm ready for an all-out adventure somewhere! You're going to have to give us an all-out effort in the next game if you want to stay on the team.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

all out

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.
See also: all, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

all out

using all your strength or resources.
See also: all, out
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

all out

With all one's strength, ability, or resources.
See also: all, out
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • all out
  • (from) top to toe
  • from top to toe
  • an all-out effort
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • at doorstep
  • from head to foot/toe
  • from head to heels
  • from head to toe
  • from tip to toe
References in periodicals archive
The Wolds batted first and were 82 all-out with only Andy Matthews (28) and old-timer John Mills (28no) make scores of note.
Wymeswold keep promotion hopes alive
In an open letter addressed to the members of the bicameral committee on the BBL issued earlier by members, partners, and allies of All-Out Peace (AOP), numerous sectors have highlighted the importance of legislation that will help 'heal the wounds of violent conflict and achieve genuine peace.'
CSOs hold solidarity rally for passage of draft BBL
"We should make use of all opportunities and capacities to expand all-out Tehran-Chisinau ties," Rouhani said, adding that Iran was among the first countries to recognize Moldova's independence.
Iran Calls For Broadening of Ties with Moldova
For a second day, in what is the first all-out strike in the NHS's history, doctors from emergency and acute teams joined their colleagues in planned care on the pickets.
Docs stick to their guns
envoy said Thursday that both Sudan and South Sudan wanted to find ways to avoid "all-out war" as violence escalated amid vows by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to fight the South.
Sudan, South Sudan Want to Avoid War over Oil Field
Manila Philippine President Benigno Aquino affirmed his position not to declare an all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Aquino refuses to declare all-out war
Riyadh, Rajab 12, 1432 H / June 14, 2011, SPA -- A rare all-out lunar eclipse will take place Wednesday evening on a vast worldwide area, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, astronomers forecast.
Rare full-scale lunar eclipse takes place Wednesday evening, astronomers forecast
BIKING bobbies, pictured, put pedal power to the test when the hit the roads of Birmingham as part of an all-out day to combat a traditional rise in crime Police officers and police community support officers from Sutton Coldfield, Kingstanding, and Erdington took to the saddle to target anti-social behaviour.
Cycle patrols are a wheely good way to combat crime
Summary: STRASBOURG: The Council of Europe human rights watchdog said late on Wednesday it opposed an all-out ban on full face veils, under consideration by some European states, but also urged Muslims to reject customs that deny women equal rights.
Council of Europe opposes bans on Muslim face veils
And it warned that any attempt at retaliating for the sinking would be answered with "all-out war".
N Korea threatens 'all-out war' world news bulletin
UK's most experienced Dakar veteran rider Mick Extance launches all-out preparations for the Dakar Rally, the world's most arduous off- road endurance race in 2011.
UK's and Canada's top rally drivers
Unlike the current strikes, which have involved members in different roles refusing to work on different days, the two new dates will be all-out strikes.
More strikes announced as post dispute worsens
POSTAL workers in Coventry and Warwickshire have warned of a summer of discontent as a series of localised strikes over pay and conditions threaten to explode into an all-out national dispute.
Striking posties warn of disputes; MAIL: Union say industrial action could explode into national dispute
Conflict is an inevitable part of life, whether it be at home or in the workplace--and Disagreements, Disputes, and All-Out War: 3 Simple Steps for Dealing With Any Kind of Conflict is key to understanding--and managing--conflict effectively, using easy exercises to demonstrate and assess typical conflict scenarios.
Disagreements, Disputes, and All-Out War
The facility, with >25 years of experience, uses an on-site breeding colony and an all-in, all-out system, in which cohorts are moved through the system as 1 unit.
Frog virus 3 infection, cultured American bullfrogs