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Balls to the wall Meaning in English

expression

ˈbɔɫz/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈwɔɫ
BAWLZ tuh thuh WAHL
bˈɔːlz/ /tˈuː/ /ðə, ði/ /wˈɔːl
BAWLZ tuh WAWL

Definition

An informal expression meaning to do something as fast, hard, or intensely as possible, without holding back.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal and somewhat slangy; often used in sports, competitions, or describing high-energy situations. Can carry a sense of recklessness or no limits. Not used in formal writing or polite conversation. Can sound impolite or crude in certain contexts due to the word 'balls.'

Example Sentences

The athletes went balls to the wall during the final race.

basic

He worked balls to the wall to finish the project on time.

basic

Let's go balls to the wall and win this game!

basic

They went balls to the wall trying to meet their sales goals last quarter.

natural

When the deadline hit, the whole team was balls to the wall all night long.

natural

If you’re going to try, you might as well go balls to the wall.

natural