full speed ahead

Idioms and Phrases

Also, full steam ahead . As fast and as strongly as possible. For example, There's only one way we'll get there on time, so go full speed ahead , or Production would go full steam ahead as soon as the orders were confirmed . It is also put as with a full head of steam , as in She was traveling with a full head of steam—she was due there at noon . These expressions all allude to the steam engine, where full steam signifies that a boiler has developed maximum pressure. They became well known through an order allegedly given by Admiral David Farragut at the battle of Mobile Bay (1864): “Damn the torpedoes! Full steam ahead!”

Example Sentences

The bridge had seen her too and put the engines full speed ahead.

From Project Gutenberg

But he rang for full speed ahead and ordered the quartermaster to aim her into the north, knowing that land lay in that direction.

From Project Gutenberg

At the second jerk the wire broke, but not until two bells had sounded in the engine room—the signal for full speed ahead.

From Project Gutenberg

"Full speed ahead" was the order, and soon the submarine regained her balance.

From Project Gutenberg

Bob shut off his power temporarily and then, with a quick yank, pulled the lever to full speed ahead.

From Project Gutenberg