Language: en
Meaning: To make theutmosteffort; tocontribute, using all of one'sabilitiesandresources.Synonyms:go all out;give 110%,pull out all the stops,do one's utmost,leave it all on the field,empty the tankNear-synonym:give it one's best shot1868,Louisa May Alcott, chapter 4, inLittle Women:"I'd go myself, if I was any use. As I ain't, I give my boys, and give 'em free." He spoke so cheerfully, looked so sincere, and seemed so glad togive his all, that I was ashamed of myself.1896,Mark Twain, chapter 35, inPersonal Recollections of Joan of Arc:And it is well; her act being proportioned to the dignity of one who carries in her head and heart riches which outvalue any that any King could add, though hegave his all.1936June 1, “Crime: Black Legion”, inTime:After swearing to support God and the Constitution, togive his allin any "war" against Catholics, Jews, Negroes, aliens and Communists, he paid $7 for a robe, 10¢ monthly dues, bought himself a gun, became a member in good standing.1990January 22, Peter B. Flint, “Barbara Stanwyck, Actress, Dead at 82”, inNew York Times, retrieved17 June 2011:[S]he was unique in not requiring rehearsals because she "gave her allthe first time she tried a scene."; (idiomatic,euphemistic)Tolose one's lifewhile making the utmost effort with fullcommitment.Synonyms:seeThesaurus:die1929April 10, “Plans for War Mothers Pilgrimage Started”, inRochester Evening Journal and the Post Express, retrieved18 June 2011, page26:The Cemeterial Division . . . has taken up the huge task of establishing contact with the mothers or widows of the 30,000 American soldiers whogave their alland whose bodies rest in graves across the sea.2005August 4, Kareem Fahim, “Sniper Kills New York Police Officer in Iraq”, inNew York Times, retrieved17 June 2011:Police officers expressed shock at the news of their fellow officer's death. "Hegave his all; he literallygave his all," said Officer Edward Looney.
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