Leave No Stone Unturned
Originating from antique Greek lore—specifically, a tale recounted by Euripides—this phrase teaches us the value of exhaustive effort and meticulousness in endeavors. Commences with the legend of Mardonius letting go of a crucial treasury post-defeat at the Battle of Plataea (477 B.C.). With wise advice from the Oracle of Delphi, “Move every stone,” eventually percolated into Erasmus’ translation “Leave no stone unturned,” fueling centuries of determined probing and further hyperbole.
Definitions & Interpretation
- To spare no trouble or expense: Implies extraordinary exertion or exhaustive resource usage.
- Make every possible effort: Entails vigorous attempts until achieving resolution or success.
Related Terms
- Spare no effort
- Move heaven and earth
- Pull out all the stops
Proverbs, Humor, and Common Phrases
- Every cloud has a silver lining: Even adversity has benefits.
- Don’t rest until the job is done: Persistence is key.
- Ogden Nash: Famous for quipping, “When I throw rocks at seabirds, I leave no tern unstoned.” (Classic wit meets ornithology.)
Synonyms
- Exhaustively search
- Scour thoroughly
- Take painstaking measures
Antonyms
- Half-hearted attempts
- Negligent
- Leave to chance
Inspirational Quotes
- “Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.” – Colin Powell
Suggested Literature
- Book: “The Once and Future King” by T.H. White (Persistence in quests)
- Poem: “If—” by Rudyard Kipling (Perseverance against adversity)
- Movie: “The Pursuit of Happyness” (Relentless efforts for a better life)
Let’s turn this idiom over and see what treasures it holds underneath!
### Which of the following best describes "Leave No Stone Unturned"?
- [x] Making every possible effort
- [ ] Avoiding difficulties
- [ ] Giving minimal effort
- [ ] Focusing only on what’s easy
> **Explanation:** “Leave No Stone Unturned” entails making every possible effort to achieve one’s goal, akin to the phrase’s thorough, meticulous origins.
### What is Ogden Nash’s witty take on this idiom?
- [ ] "Leave no bird unstoned"
- [x] "Leave no tern unstoned"
- [ ] "Leave no sea unrested"
- [ ] "Leave no pebble misplaced"
> **Explanation:** Ogden Nash humorously twists the idiom in the context of seabirds, with "tern" (a type of bird), exemplifying his clever wordplay.
### Which phrase is synonymous with "Leave No Stone Unturned"?
- [x] Move heaven and earth
- [ ] Hit the hay
- [ ] Shot in the dark
- [ ] Out of the blue
> **Explanation:** "Move heaven and earth" similarly signifies doing everything possible to achieve a goal.
### True or False: The phrase “Leave No Stone Unturned” originates from Greek mythology.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** The phrase originates from the Greek legend involving the Oracle of Delphi and the phrase “Move every stone.”
### What category does "Leave No Stone Unturned" belong to?
- [ ] Lazy efforts
- [ ] Misfortune
- [x] Diligent efforts
- [ ] Indifference
> **Explanation:** This idiom belongs to the category of diligent and persistent efforts.
Farewell Thought:
“In life’s arduous quests, let no stone remain untouched by curiosity and determination. For every effort opens doors unknown.”
—Willa Cliffhanger, 2023
