Go all in
Meaning
To commit completely to a course of action, risking everything for a potential gain.
Origin
The phrase "go all in" vividly evokes the tense atmosphere of a high-stakes poker game, where a player pushes all their chips into the pot, risking everything on the strength of their hand or the audacity of their bluff. This idiom emerged directly from the American gambling tables of the 19th century, particularly as poker surged in popularity. It describes the moment of ultimate commitment, a make-or-break decision that often defines the game's outcome. From the smoky parlors of riverboats and frontier towns, the phrase soon broke free of the card table, carrying its potent image of complete dedication and ultimate risk into the broader lexicon, now signifying total commitment to any endeavor.
Examples
- After months of planning, she decided to go all in on her startup, quitting her stable job to pursue her dream.
- The team knew this was their last chance, so they had to go all in during the final minutes of the game.