ENGLISH
REFERENCE

peg the needle

idiom
Meaning

To achieve the maximum level of something, to max out, to pull out all the stops.


Examples
SIMPLE

The engine noise was so loud it pegged the needle.

CONTEXTUAL

When the band started playing their final song, the energy in the room pegged the needle.

COMPLEX

As the pilot pushed the aircraft to its absolute structural limits, the pressure gauge pegged the needle, signaling an immediate need to reduce speed.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    camel through the eye of a needle

    Hyperbole to illustrate something that is impossible to do or to make happen.

  2. 02

    knock down a peg

    Synonym of take down a notch.

  3. 03

    move the needle

    To change a situation to a noticeable degree; to make an appreciable difference.

  4. 04

    needle drop

    A digital copy of a vinyl record

  5. 05

    needle in a haystack

    Something that is difficult or impossible to locate.

  6. 06

    needle mover

    A factor which noticeably influences a performance.

  7. 07

    peg down

    To identify clearly.

  8. 08

    square peg in a round hole

    Someone or something that does not fit well or at all in a certain setting; a misfit; hence, someone or something that will not succeed in an endeavour, except possibly with much effort and force.

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