leave no stone unturned, to
Definition: To spare no trouble or expense; to make every possible effort.
Origin:
This term dates back to a Greek legend recounted by Euripides. One of Xerxes’s generals, Mardonius, was said to have abandoned a great treasure in his tent when he was defeated in the battle of Plataea (477 B.C.). Polycrates of Thebes sought the treasure in vain and turned to the Oracle of Delphi for guidance. The oracle advised, “Move every stone.” Erasmus later translated this as, “Leave no stone unturned.”
Funny Addition:
Of the myriad repetitions over the centuries, one of the most amusing is Ogden Nash’s quip, “When I throw rocks at seabirds, I leave no tern unstoned.” 🐦🤣
Related Expressions:
- Go the extra mile: To make more effort than required.
- Burn the midnight oil: To work late into the night.
- Pull out all the stops: To do everything possible to achieve a desired result.
Synonyms:
- Explore every avenue
- Check every corner
- Investigate thoroughly
Antonyms:
- Half-hearted attempt
- Neglectful search
- Overlook opportunities
Humor-Filled Anecdotes:
“Searching for a lost sock, I decided to leave no stone unturned. Unfortunately, this strategy led me right to a family of spiders declaring squatters’ rights in my closet!”
References:
- Literature: “Odyssey” by Homer - The efforts of Odysseus are nothing if not thorough!
- Songs: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell - Leaving no stone unturned emotionally!
- Movies: “The Pursuit of Happyness” - Demonstrating relentless effort to achieve one’s dreams.
Athena T. Wise 🌟
Published: October 2, 2023
“In every stone turned, there’s a story unlearned. Keep searching, keep discovering. The world is waiting for your unyielding curiosity.”
