ENGLISH
REFERENCE

put the pedal to the metal

idiom
Meaning

To press the gas pedal to the maximum extent.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

First use appears c. 1976. Originated in car racing.

Examples
SIMPLE

Put the pedal to the metal to arrive on time.

CONTEXTUAL

We were running late for the flight, so he put the pedal to the metal to reach the airport.

COMPLEX

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.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bite my shiny metal ass

    An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.

  2. 02

    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.

  3. 03

    pedal to the metal

    At maximum speed.

  4. 04

    put a band-aid on a bullet wound

    To inadequately treat a serious situation.

  5. 05

    put a blanket over

    Make (something) seem less serious.

  6. 06

    put a bug in someone's ear

    To make a small suggestion or give a hint that causes the listener to act.

  7. 07

    put a damper on

    To stop people from enjoying an activity.

  8. 08

    put a foot wrong

    To make a mistake.

© 2026 English Reference