level best: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘level best’ mean?
The idiom "level best" means to try one's hardest or give maximum effort in a particular situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to the max" means to the highest or fullest extent. It is used to emphasize and amplify the intensity, degree, or level of something.
The idiom "put one's best foot forward" means to make a good impression or to present oneself in the best possible way, especially in a new or important situation.
The idiom "on the level" means to be honest, sincere, and truthful in one's intentions or actions.
This idiom means to exaggerate or make something seem more serious or important than it really is.
The idiom "make all the difference" means to have a significant impact or to be the key factor that determines the outcome or result of something.
The idiom "make a break for it" means to try to escape or run away, often from a dangerous or difficult situation.
The idiom "lower the bar" means to reduce or decrease expectations or standards, making something easier or more achievable.
The idiom "look out for number one" means to prioritize oneself and one's own interests above all others. It implies a selfishness or self-centeredness, often at the expense of others.
The idiom "look for number one" means to prioritize oneself above others, often in a selfish or self-centered manner.
The idiom "like one's life depended on it" means to do something with extreme urgency, effort, or enthusiasm, as if one's survival or well-being depended on it.
The Ultimate Effort
The idiom "level best" is a variation of the phrase "one's level best," which means to do one's utmost or give one's all. The word "level" in this context refers to a standard or measure of excellence. When someone says they are giving their level best, they are emphasizing that they are putting forth their maximum effort without holding anything back.
The exact origin of the phrase is uncertain, but it has been in use since at least the early 19th century. It is believed to have originated in the United States and is primarily used in American English. However, it has also gained some usage in other English-speaking countries.
Unlike some idioms whose meaning can be determined by their literal definitions, the meaning of "level best" is established through common usage and understanding over time. It is an idiom because its meaning cannot be deduced solely from the individual words it comprises.
The phrase can be found in various contexts, including personal conversations, literature, and media. It is often used to express a high degree of commitment and dedication to a task or goal. When someone says they are giving their level best, they are conveying the idea that they are putting forth their utmost effort and leaving no stone unturned.
English speakers are generally familiar with the idiom "level best," but there is no universal consensus on its origin or precise meaning. Different individuals may interpret its exact implications slightly differently. However, the overall understanding is that it refers to giving one's maximum effort and doing everything possible to achieve a desired outcome.
To illustrate the relationship between "level best" and related idioms, let's consider the phrase "do one's utmost." Both phrases convey the idea of putting forth maximum effort and leaving no room for anything less than the best. They are interchangeable in many contexts and can be used to emphasize the same concept of giving everything one has.
Another related idiom is "give one's all." This phrase echoes the same sentiment as "level best" and "do one's utmost." It emphasizes the idea of giving everything, holding nothing back, and putting forth one's utmost effort.
The phrase "to the max" is also closely related to "level best." It is an informal expression that means to do something to the greatest possible extent or intensity. When someone says they are doing something "to the max," they are emphasizing that they are giving it their all and not holding anything back.
The idiom "level best" is used to express the idea of giving one's utmost effort or doing one's very best. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it has been in use for centuries. It is primarily used in American English but has gained some usage in other English-speaking countries. As an idiom, its meaning is established through common usage rather than literal definitions. It can be found in various contexts, including personal conversations, literature, and media. While there may be slight variations in interpretation, the overall understanding is that it refers to putting forth maximum effort and leaving no room for anything less than the best. It is closely related to idioms such as "do one's utmost," "give one's all," and "to the max," which emphasize the same concept of giving everything one has.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *level best* can be used in a sentence:
- He always gives his level best in every competition.
- Despite the challenging circumstances, she managed to do her level best to complete the project on time.
- The team performed their level best during the game, but they still lost by a narrow margin.
More "Superlative" idioms
