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 #2 (permalink) Fri Jun 20, 2008 4:54 am Explanation of "going balls to the wall" |
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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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 Linda
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| #3 (permalink) Tue Oct 16, 2012 13:25 pm expression 'going balls to the wall' |
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3 explanations about "balls to the wall"
1.I was at full throttle(= as fast as possible)the whole way and going balls to the wall.=refers to going all out/putting in a big effort to complete a task/project/action.
2.When a pilot wants full power, he moves the throttle (=like an accelerator in a car but it is in an aeroplane) in a forward towards the front wall of the cockpit. Thus, "balls to the walls" meant "full power".
3.Wow, So I didn't know that the phrase ''balls to the wall'' actually means 'push to the limits'
Similar idiom:
go to the wall (for somebody/something)=
=to do as much as is possible
-Friends and colleagues were ready to go to the wall for Hal, but he didn't want anyone's help.[/b]
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