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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

all hands on deck

"Come tomorrow morning it will be all hands on deck to dry up the areas that aren't under the covers," he added.

From Barron's ● Sep. 29, 2026

“You get a sense it’s all hands on deck for some families,” says Keith Wolf, managing partner of recruiting firm Murray Resources in Houston.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026

“It’s going to be an all hands on deck situation to understand, assess and plan the recovery,” the garden’s Schneider said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2026

"Cancel vacations, cancel other appointments," she said, adding: "I expect all hands on deck."

From BBC ● Apr. 15, 2025

It was all hands on deck, and the restaurant was buzzing.

From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya

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