Gen X (1965-1979)
Balls to the wall
Used when discussing high-energy activities or ambitious projects.
Literal Meaning
Balls: Spherical objects; to: preposition for direction; the: definite article; wall: vertical structure.
Actual Meaning
Going full speed, maximum effort
Examples in Context

'We're going balls to the wall on this project.' (Translation: Maximum effort)

Helpful Tips
  • 1Aviation origin
  • 2Full effort
  • 3Not crude origin
Phrase Thesaurus
Similar words and synonyms for this phrase
full throttle
all out
at full blast
max out
going for broke
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