THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Pull out all the stops
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To do everything possible to make something successful.
Usage note: keep in mind
Pull out all the stops means make every possible effort or use all available resources for an aim. It often describes an ambitious event or an urgent task. The past form is pulled out all the stops. Explain the goal to make the meaning concrete.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- They pulled out all the stops for their daughter’s wedding.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
To do everything possible to make something successful.
Show the answer
Pull out all the stops — To do everything possible to make something successful.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Pull out all the stops” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To do everything possible to make something successful.
Compare: They pulled out all the stops for their daughter’s wedding.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- The organisers pulled out all the stops to make the exhibition accessible.
- We are pulling out all the stops to finish the repairs before opening day.
Check your understanding
A team adds staff, extends preparation time and checks every detail for an event. How can the idiom summarise its effort?
Check your answer
The team is pulling out all the stops for the event. Several forms of extra effort support the strong wording.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where pull out all the stops fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.