Up to the Hilt ⚔️
Definition: To the utmost; as far as possible. The hilt is the handle of a dagger or sword, and when the weapon is plunged all the way into something, only the hilt remains visible. By the seventeenth century, this term expanded to mean any kind of extreme effort or extent.
Example: “The estate was mortgaged up to the hilt,” wrote James Payn in Thicker than Water, 1883.
Related Terms and Expressions:
- All in - Fully committed.
- To the max - To the greatest extent possible.
- Through and through - In every aspect.
- Lock, stock, and barrel - Completely; wholly.
- Throw in the kitchen sink - Use or do everything possible.
Synonyms:
- Completely
- Entirely
- Wholly
- Fully
- Totally
Antonyms:
- Partially
- Incompletely
- Minimally
- Superficially
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Sometimes, we need to be invested up to the hilt just to realize we’re in thigh-deep nonsense.” – Anonymous
- “He was committed up to the hilt… Unfortunately, the hilt wasn’t very deep.” – W.T. Wittywords
Proverbs:
- “Betting the farm” - Risking everything on one venture.
- “Putting all your eggs in one basket” - Risking everything on a single venture, but often with a warning of danger.
Recommended Literature, Books, Poems, Songs, and Movies:
- Lit: Thicker than Water by James Payn for historical usage.
- Book: All In by Adriana Locke – a modern romance showing full commitment.
- Poem: “The Soldier” by Rupert Brooke – reflects deep commitment and resolve.
- Song: “All In” by Lifehouse – a lyrical dive into total commitment.
- Movie: Interstellar – where going “up to the hilt” means traveling through space and time.
### Which phrase expresses a similar idea to "up to the hilt"?
- [x] All in
- [ ] Tip of the iceberg
- [ ] Half measures
- [ ] On the fence
> **Explanation:** "All in" captures the essence of full commitment, much like "up to the hilt."
### What does it mean to mortgage something "up to the hilt"?
- [ ] Mortgage just a tiny bit
- [ ] Refuse to mortgage
- [x] Mortgage to the maximum extent possible
- [ ] Settle a mortgage easily
> **Explanation:** To mortgage "up to the hilt" means to mortgage to the greatest extent possible, leaving no room to spare.
### Which of these could be considered an antonym to "up to the hilt"?
- [ ] Completely
- [ ] Entirely
- [x] Superficially
- [ ] Wholly
> **Explanation:** "Superficially" implies a minimal or surface-level effort, which is the opposite of going "up to the hilt."
### True or False: The phrase "up to the hilt" originated in the seventeenth century.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Yes, the phrase began to be used in this metaphorical sense starting in the seventeenth century.
As always, remember that words are blades we wield; go all in, but handle them with care. Till next time!
– A. Sharpword
