pulling out all the stops
Holding nothing back
Pulling out all the stops means using every available resource or making maximum effort to achieve something.
The phrase comes from pipe organs, where stops are knobs that control airflow to different sets of pipes—pulling them all out produces the fullest, loudest sound possible.
They pulled out all the stops for the anniversary celebration.
- going all outExerting total effort
- balls to the wallTotal maximum effort
- full throttleMaximum engine power
- giving 110%Exceeding total possible effort
- going the extra mileSurpassing what's asked
leave it all on the field · leaving no stone unturned · overdrive · maximum effort · improvising · thinking outside the box · kitchen sink · whole nine yards · spare no expense · all hands on deck · bouncing back · persevering · no holds barred · guns blazing · pedal to the metal · firing on all cylinders · organ
- metaphors for overachievementgoing the extra mile, raising the bar, going above and beyond, overdelivering, overperforming
pulling out all the stopsholding back
Preventing forward movement
phoning it in · going through the motions · coasting · mailing it in · slacking off
pulling out all the stopsplaying it safe
Avoiding unnecessary risk
hedging one's bets · measured response · holding fire · tiptoeing
pulled, puller, pulling, others, otherwise, otherness, unstoppable