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Region: General | Usage example: She moved heaven and earth to secure the scholarship.

Move heaven and earth

Meaning

Try everything to achieve something.

Usage

Used to praise determined effort.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Biblical imagery of doing cosmic work.

Appears in Shakespeare and other literature as early as the 17th century.

Related Idioms

Move the needle

Make measurable progress.

Move the goalposts

Change the rules or expectations to make success harder to achieve.

Down to earth

Practical and realistic.

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.