ALL HANDS ON DECK Definition & Meaning

all hands on deck

[ awl handz on dek ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

interjection

(used as an order to all members of a ship’s crew to report to the deck at once, as in an emergency):
We were roused from our bunks by shouts of “All hands on deck!”

idiom

(used as a call for the immediate assistance of everyone present or available):
We only have two days till the deadline, people, so—all hands on deck!
immediate and concerted effort, or a situation that calls for it:
We can nip crime in the bud if we go at it with all hands on deck.
If the server goes down, it’s going to be all hands on deck.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of all hands on deck¹

First recorded in 1680–90

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"Cancel vacations, cancel other appointments," she said, adding: "I expect all hands on deck."

From

When Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said, “we’re fighting for our lives” and that “right now we need all hands on deck,” it was clear that they were doing all in their power to stay alive for the sixth seed, the automatic playoff spot and avoid the NBA’s play-in tournament.

From

“It would be great to pull together a GM call and have you join. Stress urgency, importance of all hands on deck?”

From

“We protect you, and we need all hands on deck to protect us.”

From

He needed “all hands on deck,” said Ken Keeler, an administrative assistant at Golden Legacy.

From

Allhallowtide allheal

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