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Region: General | Usage example: With the report due tomorrow, it was all hands on deck in the studio.

All hands on deck

Meaning

Every available person must help to accomplish an urgent task.

Usage

Used when a group must collaborate quickly under pressure.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Naval command putting every sailor to work on deck.

Shifted into business and emergency language in the 19th century.

Related Idioms

Wash your hands of

Withdraw from involvement or responsibility.

Many hands make light work

Tasks become easier when shared.

Blood on your hands

Guilt for causing harm or death.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.