all hands on deck

American  

[awl handz on dek] / ˈɔl ˈhændz ˌɒn ˈdɛk /

Sometimes all hands

interjection

1. (used as an order to all members of a ship’s crew to report to the deck at once, as in an emergency).

   We were roused from our bunks by shouts of “All hands on deck!”

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idiom

1. (used as a call for the immediate assistance of everyone present or available).

   We only have two days till the deadline, people, so—all hands on deck!

2. immediate and concerted effort, or a situation that calls for it.

   We can nip crime in the bud if we go at it with all hands on deck.

   If the server goes down, it’s going to be all hands on deck.

Etymology

Origin of all hands on deck

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

It’s all hands on deck as an army of volunteers get floats ready for their run down Colorado Boulevard on Jan. 1.

From Los Angeles Times

He told Atlanta reporters last week that the Rams have “an all hands on deck” mentality and that he has attempted to implement similar systems.

From Los Angeles Times

And it’s all hands on deck as an army of volunteers get floats ready for their run down Colorado Boulevard on Thursday, Jan. 1.

From Los Angeles Times

“These things take time. I need all hands on deck. You kids know what that means?”

From Literature

The era required all hands on deck.

From Literature