expression 'going balls to the wall'

[Priya Raghavan]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #281 "English Slang Idioms (3)", question 7

I can't believe I made it up that hill on my dirt bike. I was at full throttle the whole way and going balls to the ..........

(a) court
(b) chain
(c) bats
(d) wall

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #281 "English Slang Idioms (3)", answer 7

I can't believe I made it up that hill on my dirt bike. I was at full throttle the whole way and going balls to the wall.

Correct answer: (d) wall

Your answer was: incorrect
I can't believe I made it up that hill on my dirt bike. I was at full throttle the whole way and going balls to the court.
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Please explain the expression 'going balls to the wall'

Priya Raghavan

[Linda]

Hi Priya,
The phrase "going balls to the wall" refers to going all out/putting in a big effort to complete a task/project/action. It originated as an aviation term that refers to the throttle of a plane that has ball-like grips. Basically, the more you push, the closer the balls get to the front of the plane (the wall) and, thus, the farther/faster you go.
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