put the pedal to the metal

present singular third person puts the pedal to the metal · participle present putting the pedal to the metal · alternative put pedal to the metal · alternative put the pedal to the medal · alternative put pedal to the medal

1. idiomaticTo press the gas pedal to the maximum extent.

   I released the brakes, smashed the clutch and switched the transmission case into low gear, then put the pedal to the metal again throwing the car into what is known as a “moonshine spin”.

   2013, Loyd E. Hill, Marvin R. Query, Reap the Wild Seeds, Xlibris Corporation, →ISBN, page 74

   Synonyms: floor it, redline

2. broadlyTo exert maximum effort.

   There are times for all of us when we have to put the pedal to the metal. Businesspeople and students have deadlines. Parents have periods of time when they don't get breaks because their partners are unavailable or they have no partners.

   2007, Donna Carter, 10 Smart Things Women Can Do to Build a Better Life, Harvest House Publishers, →ISBN, page 22

   Synonyms: go all out