shoot the works

1. Expend all one's efforts or capital, as in He's broke after shooting the works on that new office building. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s] Also see the works.

Example Sentences

You put your heart and soul into everything and shoot the works, because you got energy and strength and purpose.

Read more on New York Times

The dish shows how good Ms. Blamey can be when she starts with underestimated ingredients like cabbages and onion and decides to shoot the works.

Read more on New York Times

Gennady is trained and ready to shoot the works.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I'm going to take a chance and shoot the works on someone who can talk.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

President would have from satellites, radar and other means, he would decide to shoot the works.

Read more on Time Magazine Archive

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