to the hilt

Idioms  

1. Also, up to the hilt. Completely, to the maximum degree, as in The house was mortgaged up to the hilt. This idiom alludes to the handle (hilt) of a sword, the only portion that remains out when the weapon is plunged all the way in. The figurative use of the term was first recorded in 1687.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

to the hilt

American refiners including Marathon Petroleum MPC 2.50%increase; green up pointing triangle and Valero VLO 2.44%increase; green up pointing triangle say they are cranking out diesel to the hilt.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 18, 2026

Suzy Spilling and her husband Colin invested in four rental properties to fund their retirement - including two flats in Salford "mortgaged to the hilt".

From BBC ● Feb. 28, 2025

Bowen’s River and Carmelo’s Wynona play their characters’ shortcomings to the hilt.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 7, 2025

“Many consumers are levered to the hilt — maxed out on debt and barely keeping their heads above water,’’ said Allan Schweitzer, a portfolio manager at credit-focused investment firm Beach Point Capital Management.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 24, 2024

The student's hand went to the hilt of his rapier.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood