might and main, with

Idioms  

1. Strenuously, vigorously, as in She pulled on the rope with all her might and main. This expression is redundant, since the noun main also means “strength” or “power.” It survives only in this phrase, which may also be dying out. [Late 1200s]

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Example Sentences

And she, following his lead, saw that Darcy was working with might and main with some burglar's tool after the nature of a lever.

From Parlous Times A Novel of Modern Diplomacy by Wells, David Dwight

They pulled at the cable and shoved might and main with the oars.

From Battles with the Sea by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

We worked with might and main; with our axes we cut away the after-bulwarks, so as to launch it overboard.

From Will Weatherhelm The Yarn of an Old Sailor by Webb, Archibald

And there sure enough was Benjamin, a pretty fair-haired boy, who looked scarce strong enough for the task in hand, but who was yet working might and main with chisel and hammer.

From The Sign of the Red Cross by Everett-Green, Evelyn

Arrived before the cottage door, he drew his sword, and, taking it by the blade, pounded with might and main with the butt on the panel.

From Cedric, the Forester by Marshall, Bernard Gay

Related Words

• effectively
• energetically
• forcefully
• intensely
• strongly
• vigorously