The news today is all about the draft agreement at COP26. Apparently, our august leader Boris Johnson is urging world leaders to pull out all the stops to reach an ambitious agreement.
The phrase ‘to pull out all the stops’ comes from organ-playing. If you’ve seen an organ in church, you may have noticed all the pedals and knobs. By pulling out the ‘stops’ (knobs), you can make sure all the pipes are involved in making a richer sound.
To pull out all the stops means to make a great effort, to do everything possible.
Brainstorming exercise
Set a timer for two minutes, and write down as many equivalent phrases as you can think of.
Here are a few other options:
to do one’s utmost (this is the most formal expression)
to go to great lengths
to go all out
to spare no effort
to make every effort
to give it our/your all
More informal
How about:
to go for broke (this has a bit of an ‘all-or-nothing’ connotation)
to give it your best shot
to bust a gut (pretty informal!)
Finally, a couple of expressions that suggest that you are trying very hard to accommodate someone else’s needs (perhaps trying too hard):
to bend over backwards (e.g. We bent over backwards to make his stay pleasant, but nothing was good enough for him)
to jump through hoops (this means that someone is putting a lot of hurdles in the way!)
Improvisation exercise
Choose one of the following three scenarios, and prepare a short speech, using appropriate phrases to indicate you are ‘doing your best’. Deliver your speech out loud.
1. Business Scenario: Launching a Startup in a Competitive Market
Prompt:You are the founder of a new tech startup preparing to pitch your company to potential investors. Your industry (generative AI) is highly competitive, and success is far from guaranteed. In your speech, emphasise the effort, determination, and risks your team has taken to bring the company this far. Persuade investors that you will spare no effort to make the company a successand that your product can successfully compete with others such as ChatGPT or DeepSeek.
2. Political Scenario: Running for Office in Difficult Times
Prompt:You are a political candidate addressing voters at a campaign rally. Your country is facing economic and social challenges, and trust in leadership is low. Convince the audience that you will do your utmost to improve their lives, going above and beyond to enact real change. Use persuasive language to inspire confidence in your dedication.
3. Public Health Scenario: Leading a Crisis Response
Prompt:You are the head of a public health agency addressing the public during a major health crisis (e.g., a pandemic or a natural disaster). Resources are stretched thin, and the stakes are high. Reassure the public that your team is working tirelessly, pulling out all the stops to manage the crisis effectively and protect lives
1. Business Speech: Launching a Startup in a Competitive Market
Good afternoon, esteemed investors and industry leaders.
In a world where 90% of startups fail, why should you believe in us? Because we have spared no effort in turning our vision into reality. From day one, we knew that entering this market would be an uphill battle. The competition is fierce, the risks are high, and every decision counts. But we refused to let those challenges define us.
We have worked around the clock, pulled out all the stops, and left no stone unturned in refining our product. We have tested, failed, adapted, and improved—again and again—because we are committed to excellence. We have already secured key partnerships, proven our technology, and built a loyal customer base. Not by chance, but because we gave it everything we had.
We are not just another startup with a dream—we are a team that goes the extra mile, no matter what it takes. We are here today to invite you to be part of something transformative. Join us. Invest in us. And together, we will go for broke and redefine this industry.
2. Political Speech: Running for Office in Difficult Times
My fellow citizens, we stand at a crossroads. For too long, we have watched as promises were made and broken, as communities struggled, and as faith in leadership declined. I am here today not just to ask for your vote, but to make you a promise: I will give it my all.
We are facing economic turmoil, social unrest, and an uncertain future. But I refuse to accept that this is the best we can do. I will bend over backwards to fight for fair wages, better healthcare, and a safer society. I will spare no effort to ensure that every citizen’s voice is heard.
While others jump through hoops to protect the powerful, I will go to great lengths to protect you—the people who built this country. A better future is within our reach, but only if we make every effort to achieve it.
So I ask you to stand with me. Join me, and let’s give it our all to build the country we deserve.
3. Public Health Speech: Leading a Crisis Response
I know that fear and uncertainty are gripping our communities. As public health officials, we have one duty above all: to protect lives. And I assure you, we are doing our utmost.
Our teams are working around the clock, pulling out all the stops to ensure hospitals have the resources they need. We are coordinating emergency responses, expanding testing facilities, and securing vital medical supplies. Every single person in our department is giving this crisis their best shot.
This is not an easy fight. We face supply shortages, logistical hurdles, and ever-changing conditions. But we will not back down. We will not rest. And we need you to stand with us—to follow safety guidelines, to support one another, and to trust that we are leaving no stone unturned to keep you safe.
We will get through this together, because we will not falter, and we will not fail in our duty to you.
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