leave nothing in the tank
Spend every ounce
To leave nothing in the tank is to expend all one's energy or effort, holding nothing back.
The image comes from driving until the fuel tank is empty.
Athletes use it to describe giving maximum effort: She left nothing in the tank in the final sprint.
The phrase implies both total commitment and subsequent exhaustion—you've used everything you had.
- spendPay out money
- all-outWith complete effort
- full sendMaximum effort, no reservations
- depleteGreatly reduce supply
- exhaustUse up entirely
empty · wholeheartedness · no regrets · empty the tank · drain · maximal · burnout · effort · perseverance · sacrifice · grit · exertion · tenacity · push through · intense · endurance · go the distance · dedication
leave nothing in the tankhold back
Prevent forward movement
pace yourself · phone it in · coast · go through the motions · mail it in
leave nothing in the tankplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
hedge your bets · cover your bases · err on the side of caution