push the boat out
To do something, especially spend money, more extravagantly than usual, particularly for a celebration.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We decided to push the boat out for our anniversary dinner.”
“Since it was their father's seventieth birthday, the family decided to push the boat out and rent a luxury villa for the weekend.”
“Although they usually maintained a frugal lifestyle, the couple chose to push the boat out for the wedding, sparing no expense to ensure the celebration was truly memorable.”
- 01
boy in the boat
The human clitoris.
- 02
float someone's boat
To interest or appeal to someone; to make someone happy.
- 03
fresh off the boat
Newly arrived from a foreign place, especially as an immigrant who is still unfamiliar with the customs and language of their new environment.
- 04
get in the boat and row
To make a substantial effort, especially in cooperation with others in a group; also, to perform one's share of work.
- 05
in the same boat
In the same situation or predicament; having the same problems.
- 06
jump before one is pushed
to perform an action before being forced to do so.
- 07
lift all boats
To benefit all participants; to have a wide-ranging positive effect.
- 08
push against an open door
To do something pointless or unnecessary; to try doing something already done.
Last updated August 10, 2026