Phrases & Expressions

To try as hard as possible; to use all available resources and effort.

• They went all out to make the wedding perfect.
• She went all out on her costume.

To start planning something again because a previous attempt has failed.

• Our proposal was rejected, so we have to go back to the drawing board.
• The experiment failed, forcing the scientists to go back to the drawing board.

To stop communicating or transmitting signals, often suddenly or unexpectedly.

• The ship went dark after entering the storm.
• The spy satellite went dark for several hours.

To become increasingly successful, stronger, or better.

• Since moving to the new office, the business has gone from strength to strength.
• Under the new coach, the team went from strength to strength.

To go wrong; to fail badly.

• The plan went pear-shaped.
• Everything went pear-shaped after the manager quit.

To support or defend someone, especially when they are in trouble.

• I'll go to bat for you if anyone complains.
• She always goes to bat for her colleagues.

Of a newspaper, magazine or book, to be sent to the printer.

• The magazine goes to press tomorrow.
• The book is ready to go to press.

To be sent to the printer to be made into copies.

• The magazine goes to print tomorrow.
• The book is ready to go to print.

To have a medical operation.

• She's going under the knife next week.
• He had to go under the knife to fix his knee.

To act based on one's intuition rather than careful thought.

• I don't have all the facts, so I'll go with my gut.
• When in doubt, go with your gut.