put the pedal to the metal
To press the gas pedal to the maximum extent.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Put the pedal to the metal to arrive on time.”
“We were running late for the flight, so he put the pedal to the metal to reach the airport.”
“Realizing the deadline was only minutes away, the driver put the pedal to the metal to navigate the empty highway before the clock struck twelve.”
first recorded 20th c.
Attested from approximately 1976, the phrase originated in the context of car racing. It describes the physical act of depressing the accelerator pedal until it meets the metal floorboard of the vehicle.
- 01
bite my shiny metal ass
An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.
- 02
lipstick on a pig
To make superficial or cosmetic changes to something in a doomed attempt to disguise its fundamental flaws.
- 03
not to put too fine a point on it
Used to apologize for a possibly impolite statement one is making; to put it bluntly; to express it in plain terms.
- 04
pedal to the metal
At maximum speed.
- 05
put a band-aid on a bullet wound
To inadequately treat a serious situation.
- 06
put a blanket over
Make (something) seem less serious.
- 07
put a bug in someone's ear
To make a small suggestion or give a hint that causes the listener to act.
- 08
put a damper on
To stop people from enjoying an activity.
Last updated August 10, 2026