Go Whole Hog 🐷
To “go whole hog” means to do something completely and with the utmost commitment or enthusiasm. This idiom invites you to pull out all the stops, leave nothing on the table, and give it your all, just like a pig enthusiastically diving into a pile of fresh mud!
Related Terms & Phrases
- Go all out: Give it everything you’ve got.
- Pull out all the stops: To use all available means or resources.
- Leave no stone unturned: Search thoroughly or make a full effort.
- All in: Fully committed or dedicated.
Similar Proverbs
- “In for a penny, in for a pound.” (British)
- “No half measures.”
- “When you do something, do it with all your heart.”
Humorous Quote
“You can’t make a pig fly, but you can definitely make it go whole hog!” — Fictitious Farmer Frank
Synonyms
- Wholeheartedly
- Completely
- Entirely
- Thoroughly
Antonyms
- Half-heartedly
- Partially
- Sparingly
- Reluctantly
Inspirational Take
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe — and sometimes, we need to go whole hog!”
Recommended Readings & Pop Culture
- Book: The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek – A great read on playing with long-term commitment and full-heartedness.
- Song: “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor – An anthem for giving it your all!
- Movie: Rocky (1976) – The ultimate “go whole hog” underdog story.
- Poem: “If—” by Rudyard Kipling – Inspires you to invest fully in your efforts.
### Which of these is a real idiom?
- [x] Go whole hog
- [ ] Venture half piglet
- [ ] Sprint with snout down
- [ ] Crawl with bacon
> **Explanation:** "Go whole hog" is the legitimate idiom here, implying full enthusiasm and commitment.
### True or False: "Go whole hog" means to act half-heartedly.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False! "Go whole hog" means to act with full commitment and enthusiasm.
### Which expression means the same as "go whole hog"?
- [ ] Poke the bear
- [ ] Swim with squids
- [x] Go all out
- [ ] Jog with turtles
> **Explanation:** "Go all out" has a similar meaning—giving something your full effort and enthusiasm.
Penelope Punster, October 2023
