flat out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘flat out’ mean?
The idiom "flat out" is used to portray someone or something that is moving or working at their maximum speed or effort.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "in the fast lane" means to be living or working at a fast pace, often associated with a busy or exciting lifestyle full of activity and success.
In the fast lane is an idiomatic phrase that originates from the world of driving. Its meaning has been extended to describe the pace and intensity of life or specific activities. The idiom suggests a sense of speed, urgency, and high activity.
The idiom "in one go" means doing something all at once or in a single attempt, without pausing or stopping. It suggests efficiency and not wasting time.
An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning. One such idiom is "in one go."
The idiom "in nothing flat" means to do something quickly or in a very short amount of time.
The idiom "in high gear" means to be functioning or operating at a very fast or intense pace, usually with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
The idiom "in full gear" means to be operating at maximum speed or efficiency, with all resources and effort fully engaged.
The idiom *in full force* means that something is happening or being done with great intensity, energy, or effectiveness.
The idiom "in full force" is used to describe something or someone displaying their full power, strength, or intensity. It emphasizes the complete or vigorous nature of an action, event, or person.
The idiom "go nowhere fast" means to make no progress or achieve no results despite putting in a lot of effort or time.
The idiom "go at a good clip" is a commonly used expression in American English. It signifies moving or progressing quickly. It can be interpreted as describing someone's efficient and swift ability to work or perform tasks, without unnecessary delays or distractions.
The idiom "go all out" means to put in maximum effort or to do something with full dedication and enthusiasm.
Origins Unraveled
*Flat out* is an idiom commonly used in the United States. It has different meanings depending on the context.
Firstly, it can mean being completely exhausted or worn out from physical or mental exertion. Imagine a person working so hard that they are drained of all energy. This usage is often used to describe someone who has exerted an enormous amount of effort or energy in a task or activity. It's like when you've been running *flat out*, giving it your all.
Secondly, *flat out* can describe something moving or operating at maximum speed or capacity. Just picture a vehicle speeding down a straight road with no obstacles. It's going *flat out*. This meaning is often used to describe vehicles or machinery that are functioning at their highest possible speed without any hiccups.
Thirdly, *flat out* can also be used to describe someone who is being completely honest or direct about something, with no intention of sugarcoating or hiding the truth. You know you can trust them because they're being *flat out* with you. It's refreshing when someone speaks without hesitation or holding back.
In addition to these meanings, *flat out* can also be used figuratively to mean "without reservation" or "without hesitation." It implies a sense of commitment or dedication to a particular action or decision. When you're going *flat out* with something, you're giving it your all without holding back.
The origins of *flat out* can be traced back to the early 19th century. The term *flat* has been used since the 16th century as an adjective meaning "level" or "without curves or bumps." It is likely that the idiom *flat out* was derived from this usage of the word *flat*. But regardless of its origins, *flat out* remains a widely understood expression in contemporary American English.
Now, let's explore how *flat out* is related to a few other idioms - *flat strap*, *flat chat*, and *all out*. These idioms have their own unique meanings and can further enrich our understanding of *flat out*.
First, let's look at *flat strap*. This idiom is often used to describe someone working or moving at high speed. When you go *flat strap*, you're going as fast as you possibly can. It's similar to going *flat out* in terms of speed and intensity.
Next, we have *flat chat*. This idiom is used to describe a situation or activity that is happening at a fast and busy pace. When things are going *flat chat*, they're moving quickly, without any slowdowns or breaks. It's like when you're working *flat out* and everything around you is also in full swing.
Lastly, we have *all out*. This idiom is often used to describe giving something your maximum effort and not holding anything back. When you go *all out*, you're going *flat out* with everything you've got. It's about going above and beyond, pushing yourself to the limit.
*flat out* is a versatile idiom with multiple meanings. It can represent a state of exhaustion, the maximum speed or capacity of something, being completely honest or direct, or a commitment without hesitation. Its origins can be traced back to the early 19th century, with a clear connection to the adjective *flat* meaning "level" or "without curves or bumps." *Flat out* is a phrase that continues to be widely used and understood in contemporary American English, conveying a sense of intensity, determination, and straightforwardness. And when we explore related idioms like *flat strap*, *flat chat*, and *all out*, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of the phrase.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *flat out* can be used in a sentence:
- I've been working flat out all day and I'm exhausted.
- We drove flat out to make it to the airport on time.
- She was running flat out to win the race.
The phrase *flat out* implies the idea of maximum effort or speed. It can be used to describe someone working or doing something at their utmost ability or capacity. In the examples provided, the phrase is used to convey the intensity or full extent of someone's actions or efforts.
More "Adverb" idioms
