Whole nine yards

Meaning

The idiom "whole nine yards" means to do everything possible, leave no stone unturned, or go all the way. It is an expression of complete effort and commitment.

Usage

• The team put in their whole nine yards to win the game.
• The CEO asked for the whole nine yards from his employees during the project.
• She gave the whole nine yards when it came to helping her friend.
• We had to use all the resources and effort, which was the whole nine yards.
• He asked me to put in the whole nine yards to make the deal work. The usage of "whole nine yards" can vary depending on the context. For instance, it can be used in a positive or negative way.

Roots and History

The exact origin of this idiom is unknown, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. The earliest known use was found in The American Language journal in 1936. The idiom is likely related to the practice of using a sword to cut through fabric or other materials by making one long, continuous stroke, which would involve "going all the way" and "putting in the whole nine yards".

Synonyms in English

• Go the extra mile
• Leave no stone unturned
• Pull out all the stops
• Give it your all
• Put your best foot forward

Synonyms in other languages

• En français : Faire le maximum, mettre tout son efforts
• In German : Auch die ganzen neun Meter zugehen, alles vor sich bringen
• In Spanish : Dar todo el esfuerzo, llevarse todo lo posible
• In Italian : Sfare la parte integrale, non lasciare niente in piedi
• In Japanese : 最大限まで行う, 全力を出す

Similar Idioms

• weather the storm

• down for the count

• well read