all hands on deck

Sometimes all hands

[awl handz on dek]

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!”

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of all hands on deck¹

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

McVay said he expected “all hands on deck” against Houston.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s all hands on deck at “The Verb,” a beacon of hope for many in South Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Given the widespread panic, she said it’s “all hands on deck” for online finance educators.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, facing a must-win situation, it’s all hands on deck, the Anteaters coach said — Ojeda included.

From Los Angeles Times

For the Indy 500, Susilo said it’s all hands on deck, so most of Honda’s race-day engineers are in Indianapolis where the telemetry will be broadcast to their work stations in trailers at the track.

From Los Angeles Times