- To risk everything in one determined effort; to commit all available resources, energy, or capital to achieve success, accepting the risk of total failure ('going broke').
Explanation
Origin
- The phrase gained popularity from the motto of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a US Army unit composed mainly of Japanese Americans during World War II.
- In Hawaiian Pidgin English, go for broke meant to wager everything, like in gambling.
- The unit adopted it as their motto, reflecting their commitment and bravery. It entered mainstream American English after the war.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Go big or go home.
- All in.
- YOLO (You Only Live Once often used to justify risky/bold actions)
- Balls to the wall. (Crude: Maximum effort/speed)
- Shoot the works.
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Let's fucking go for it.
- Put everything on the goddamn line.
Milder/Standard:
- Commit fully.
- Take a significant risk.
- Make a maximum effort.
- Invest everything.
Situational Appropriateness
- Mostly informal.
- Can be used in business brainstorming or competitive strategy discussions, but be mindful of the negative implication ('broke') in formal presentations.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Could be misinterpreted literally as aiming for financial ruin. Context of high-stakes effort is crucial.
Examples
- With their company failing, they decided to go for broke on one last innovative product.
- It's the final race; we have nothing to lose, let's go for broke!
- He invested his life savings – he really went for broke.
Dialogue
Coach: We're down by 5 points with 30 seconds left. Standard plays won't cut it.
Player: So what do we do, Coach?
Coach: We run the 'Hail Mary'. It's risky, low probability, but it's our only shot. We have to go for broke.
Player: Alright, Coach. Let's do it!
Social Media Examples
- Quit my stable job today to pursue my passion project full-time. Going for broke! Wish me luck! 🚀 #entrepreneur #leapoffaith
- Down to the final round of the poker tournament. Time to go for broke! ♠️♦️♣️♥️ #poker #allin
- My team needs a miracle comeback in the second half. Gotta go for broke! #gameday #believe
Response Patterns
- Let's do it!
- Alright, all in!
- It's risky, but I'm with you.
- Go big or go home!
- Are you sure? That's a huge risk.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After deciding to 'go for broke':
- What's the plan?
- Are you prepared for the worst-case scenario?
- What's the first step?
- Expressing support or caution.
After the attempt:
- Did it pay off?
- How did it turn out?
- Was it worth the risk?
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes a high-stakes strategy within a specific context.
Intonation
- Often said with enthusiasm, determination, or a sense of high stakes.
- Stress on GO and BROKE. Let's GO for BROKE!
Generation Differences
- Widely understood. May feel slightly dated to some younger generations but is still commonly used, especially in sports or competitive contexts.
Regional Variations
- Originated in the US (Hawaii/military context) but is now well-understood in most English-speaking regions.