Cut the mustard

[0966] Pull out all the stops

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To make the maximum possible effort; to use every available resource or method to achieve something.

Origin

  • This phrase comes from the mechanics of a pipe organ. The stops are knobs that control airflow to different sets of pipes, each producing a different sound or tone quality.
  • Pulling out all the stops allows air to flow to all pipes simultaneously, resulting in the loudest and fullest possible sound the organ can produce.
  • Metaphorically, it means using all available means and effort to achieve the maximum possible result.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Go all out
  • Spare no expense (Focuses on spending money freely)
  • Spare no effort
  • Make every effort
  • Move heaven and earth
  • Give it one's all
  • Do everything possible
  • Bend over backwards (Often focuses more on pleasing someone)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Go balls to the wall (Vulgar slang: Go all out with maximum speed or effort)
  • Give it 110% (Common cliché for maximum effort plus more)
  • Leave it all on the field (Sports metaphor: Give total effort)
  • Throw the kitchen sink at it (Use every possible resource or method, however unconventional)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Work one's ass off (Vulgar: Emphasizes intense hard work)
  • Do whatever the fuck it takes (Vulgar: Emphasizes extreme determination)

Milder/Formal:

  • Do one's utmost
  • Apply maximum effort
  • Utilize all available resources
  • Commit fully

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate in most contexts, informal to formal.
  • Effectively conveys maximum effort and utilization of resources.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • The origin related to pipe organs is obscure to most people. Learners might not grasp the connection to maximum effort without explanation. Focus on the meaning of using *all* available resources/effort.

Examples

  • They pulled out all the stops for their daughter's wedding reception.
  • We need to pull out all the stops to finish this project by Friday.
  • The marketing team pulled out all the stops for the product launch.

Dialogue

Anna: Did you see the presentation? It was incredible!

Ben: I know! The team pulled out all the stops – animations, interactive elements, expert speakers... the works!

Anna: They clearly invested a lot of time and resources. It paid off!

Social Media Examples

  • Post: Our team pulled out all the stops to get this update ready! Hope you all enjoy the new features. #productlaunch #hardwork
  • Tweet: My local bookstore pulled out all the stops for Independent Bookstore Day! Author signings, discounts, fun activities. Support local! #IBD2024

Response Patterns

  • Impressed acknowledgement: Wow, they really pulled out all the stops!
  • Agreement on necessity: Yes, we definitely need to pull out all the stops for this.
  • Sometimes slight concern about excess: Do we really need to pull out *all* the stops?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • Asking for specifics about the efforts made (What exactly did they do?).
  • Commenting on the results achieved due to the effort.
  • Discussing the resources or costs involved.

Conversation Starter

  • No.
  • It describes the level of effort applied to an action or event.

Intonation

  • Usually spoken with emphasis to convey the magnitude of the effort.
  • Stress falls on PULL, ALL, and STOPS. They really PULLED out ALL the STOPS!

Generation Differences

  • Widely understood and used across generations.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
Cut the mustard
🎲 Sit tight