switch on the afterburners

present singular third person switches on the afterburners · participle present switching on the afterburners · participle past switched on the afterburners · past switched on the afterburners

1. To increase one's level of effort to the maximum.

   1 more example

   There was the sight of numerous Arsenal players ­whipping up the crowd, including after the breakthrough goal, which had been advertised. From a Raya throw, ­Martinelli switched on the afterburners to glide away from Konaté before crossing for Bukayo Saka, who had timed his run. Saka’s headed connection was not true.

   2024 February 4, David Hytner, “Arsenal ignite title hopes as Gabriel Martinelli punishes Liverpool error”, in The Guardian