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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
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Balls against the Wall (Origin)
What Is the Origin of the Saying "Balls against the Wall"?
To operate balls against the wall means to operate at full capacity.In many aircraft, the throttle and other levers have ball-shaped grips. When a pilot is operating balls against the wall, his control levers are all pressed up against the cockpit dials. With all levers pushed as far forward as possible, the aircraft is operating at full capacity.
Table of Contents
- English Proverbs and Idioms Test
- More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms
Examples of Use:
- Jack was balls against the wall for the whole course, pushing himself to achieve his personal best.
- They worked balls against the wall to complete the project ahead of schedule.
- Sarah was balls against the wall throughout the race, striving to cross the finish line first.
- He approached each task balls against the wall, determined to deliver exceptional results.
- They tackled the challenge balls against the wall, leaving no stone unturned to find the best solution.
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Buy the Grammar Monster book.
Suitable for: Teachers, advanced students, and business writers.
Description: Published by London's Octopus Publishing, "Smashing Grammar" is the third, and most comprehensive, grammar reference book written by Craig Shrives (the founder of the Grammar-Monster.com). It is divided into three sections:
Description: Published by London's Octopus Publishing, "Smashing Grammar" is the third, and most comprehensive, grammar reference book written by Craig Shrives (the founder of the Grammar-Monster.com). It is divided into three sections:
- A-Z Grammar Glossary (This section explains grammar terminology, from the basics to advanced terms. It is especially useful because every entry concludes with a valuable and succinct explanation of why the grammar term matters for a writer.)
- A-Z of Punctuation (Packed with entertaining examples, this section provides definitive, well-explained rules for using all the principal punctuation marks. Punctuation should not be guesswork. There are rules.)
- A-Z of Easily Confused Words (This section covers all the homonyms and near homonyms that plague writers and offers tips on how to remember which to use.)
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