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

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

Although London's antiaircraft defense is far heavier than any other British city's, Luftwaffe was apparently ordered and geared to shoot the works.

From Time Magazine Archive

"Well, she's all yours, Lourenço; shoot the works."

From Ullr Uprising by Piper, H. Beam

shoot the works

Example Sentences

Related Words