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Definitions

shoot the works

VERB
attempt
Synonyms
STRONGEST
pursue seek solicit tackle undertake
STRONG
aim attack endeavor essay experiment push strive venture
WEAK
do level best exert oneself give a fling give a whirl give best shot give it a go give it a try give old college try go the limit have a crack have a go at make a run at take a stab at take best shot take on try one's hand at
Antonyms
STRONGEST
forget neglect
STRONG
be idle
WEAK
be lazy
VERB
gamble
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bet speculate wager
STRONG
back brave challenge dare defy endanger face game hazard imperil jeopardize lot play plunge put risk set stake venture
WEAK
buck the odds cast lots cut the cards flip the coin go for broke lay money on make a bet put faith in put trust in shoot the moon stick one's neck out take a flyer tempt fortune trust to luck try one's luck
Antonyms
STRONG
ascend discourage displace dissuade hide remove rise save
WEAK
be careful design ensure guard insure plan safeguard
VERB
go for it
Synonyms
WEAK
bet the farm bet the ranch exert oneself go all out go for broke pull out all the stops put one's heart and soul into it use every muscle
VERB
plunge
Synonyms
STRONGEST
descend dip drive drop go down hurtle jump nose-dive plummet sink throw tumble
STRONG
career cast charge dash duck fling immerse keel lunge lurch pitch plunk propel rush sound submerge submerse swoop tear thrust topple
WEAK
go the limit go whole hog immerge take a flyer take a header throw oneself
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ascend go up increase rise
STRONG
dry retreat
VERB
wager
Synonyms
STRONGEST
gamble put up speculate
STRONG
adventure chance game hazard hedge hustle lay parlay play pledge plunge risk set shoot spec stake venture
WEAK
lay a wager play the market put on put on the line take action
Antonyms
STRONG
ascend rise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

You put your heart and soul into everything and shoot the works, because you got energy and strength and purpose.

From New York Times • Oct. 13, 2022

The dish shows how good Ms. Blamey can be when she starts with underestimated ingredients like cabbages and onion and decides to shoot the works.

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2022

Now, after hearing the Commander in Chief "campaign in the usual sense," he felt that he not only could but should shoot the works.

From Time Magazine Archive

This season, sadder but wiser Fair officials decided to shoot the works along the Midway with a $600,000 supercolossal patriotic spectacle, American Jubilee, which would be a small fair in itself.

From Time Magazine Archive

There's one thing I can't do—and that is get away with a thing like that on false pretences—I'd rather shoot the works on one roll and crap than use the sort of dice that behave.

From Young People's Pride A Novel by Benét, Stephen Vincent