# pedal to the metal

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/pedal-to-the-metal
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

At maximum speed.

## Examples

- She put the pedal to the metal to arrive on time.
- The highway was finally clear, so he put the pedal to the metal to make up for lost time.
- With the finish line in sight, the driver kept the pedal to the metal, pushing the engine to its absolute limit.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.