The Archive

Etymology Journal ยท P

Pull out all the stops

Meaning

To use every resource or effort available to ensure success. It implies going the extra mile and holding absolutely nothing back.

Energetic, committed

Used in a sentence

  • We decided to pull out all the stops for her surprise birthday party.
  • If we want to win this championship, we have to pull out all the stops during practice.
  • The company pulled out all the stops to finish the building by the grand opening.

The backstory

This is a technical term from pipe organs. Pulling out the stops opens the pipes to the wind, allowing the organ to play at its loudest and fullest volume.

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