1327 Move heaven and earth

Explanation

To make a supreme, extraordinary, and seemingly impossible effort; to do absolutely everything possible, overcoming any conceivable obstacle, to achieve a particularly important goal.

Origin

This is an ancient, powerful idiom with roots possibly in classical antiquity or biblical language.
It evokes the image of possessing god-like power sufficient to physically alter the cosmos (move the sky and the ground).
Figuratively, it signifies exerting the absolute maximum humanly possible effort, attempting to achieve something against overwhelming odds.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Go all out
Bust my ass/gut (Vulgar work extremely hard)
Go the extra mile (Common, but implies effort beyond expectation, less extreme than 'heaven and earth')
Do some serious heavy lifting (Figurative take on the hardest part of the work)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

I'll fucking move mountains if I have to.
Work my fucking ass off until it's done.
Bleed for it. (Figurative sacrifice greatly)

Milder/Standard:

I'll do everything in my power.
Make every conceivable effort.
Spare no effort.
Undertake extraordinary measures.

Situational Appropriateness

Suitable for informal to formal contexts, but because it implies such extraordinary effort, it should be used sparingly for situations that truly warrant it.
Very effective for emphasizing absolute commitment or the immense difficulty of a task.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Highly figurative and hyperbolic. Must be understood as meaning to make the greatest possible effort, not any literal attempt to manipulate the physical world.

Examples

He swore he would move heaven and earth to find his lost daughter.
We had to move heaven and earth to get the necessary building permits approved before the deadline.
She promised her constituents she would move heaven and earth to bring jobs back to the region.

Dialogue

Client: We absolutely must have that critical server back online by morning. Our entire operation depends on it. Failure is not an option.

IT Manager: I understand the extreme urgency. Please be assured, my team and I will move heaven and earth tonight to make that happen. We'll work non-stop until it's resolved.

Client: Thank you. I have complete faith in you. Keep me updated.

Response Patterns

Expressing awe, admiration, strong support, hope, or sometimes skepticism about the necessity or feasibility of such extreme effort.
Wow, that shows incredible dedication!
I truly hope you succeed after all that effort.
Is the situation really that dire? / Do you really need to go to such lengths?
That sounds utterly exhausting!
You have my full support.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing this phrase:

Express strong encouragement and support: I'm really rooting for you!, Let me know if there's absolutely anything I can do, however small.
Ask about the specific challenges being faced: What are the biggest obstacles you're up against?
Acknowledge the scale of the effort: That's an immense undertaking.
Inquire about progress later: Any luck with moving those mountains? (Using a related idiom)

Conversation Starter

No.
Used emphatically when discussing extreme efforts required or undertaken for a crucial, often high-stakes, goal.

Intonation

Very strong emphasis on move, heaven, and earth. MOVE HEAVEN and EARTH.
Delivered with force, determination, desperation, or conviction.

Generation Differences

Widely understood across generations due to its powerful, evocative imagery and long history in the language.

Regional Variations

Common in all major English-speaking regions.

Give it the old college try

🎲 Like herding cats

[1327] Move heaven and earth