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- The phrase "pull out all the stops" finds its roots in music, specifically in the operation of pipe organs. This expression directly references the organ's knobs, or "stops," which manage the airflow to the pipes. When all these stops are pulled out, an organ is enabled to play all of its pipes simultaneously, thus yielding the maximum sound.
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One such idiom is “pull out all the stops,” which means to use every available means to achieve a goal or complete a task. This idiom has its origins in the world of music, specifically in reference to pipe organs.
The popular belief is that this phrase derives from the manner of construction of pipe organs. These instruments have stops to control the air flow through the pipes and pulling them out increases the musical volume. This seems to be the type of casual easy answer that is the hallmark of folk etymology.
Oct 20, 2023 · Where Does "Pull Out All the Stops" Come From? The phrase "pull out all the stops" finds its roots in music, specifically in the operation of pipe organs. This expression directly references the organ's knobs, or "stops," which manage the airflow to the pipes.
The idiom “pull out all the stops” comes from the use of pipe organs. Stops are knobs in these organs that control the airflow through the pipes, decreasing the instrument’s volume. So, when all stops are pulled out, the organ plays at its loudest, harnessing its full and awesome power.
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Feb 28, 2024 · Pulling out a stop opens the airway, allowing the pipe to sound. Historically, organists would pull out certain stops to achieve the desired volume and texture of sound. The act of pulling out all stops, therefore, maximizes the organ’s sound capabilities. Country/Region of Origin
Pull out all the stops. This figurative expression means to exert or apply maximum effort and derives from organ-playing, when an organist has to display maximum dexterity by pulling out all the many stops that control the air-flow through the organ pipes.
What does the saying 'Pull out all the stops' mean? Idiom: Pull out all the stops. Meaning: If you pull out all the stops, you do everything you possibly can to achieve the result you want. Country: International English | Subject Area: Music | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used. Contributor: Richard Flynn.
