might and main, with

Idioms  

1. Strenuously, vigorously, as in She pulled on the rope with all her might and main. This expression is redundant, since the noun main also means “strength” or “power.” It survives only in this phrase, which may also be dying out. [Late 1200s]

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Example Sentences

They pulled at the cable and shoved might and main with the oars.

From Battles with the Sea by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

They were hard at it with the lees and dregs of the grapes, which they gripped over and over again, might and main, with their clenched fists.

From Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 5 by Motteux, Peter Anthony

In our onward course we meet nearly all these men, working with might and main, with axes, shovels, stakes and picks, hurrying as if the task were urgent.

From War by Loti, Pierre

And she, following his lead, saw that Darcy was working with might and main with some burglar's tool after the nature of a lever.

From Parlous Times A Novel of Modern Diplomacy by Wells, David Dwight

And there sure enough was Benjamin, a pretty fair-haired boy, who looked scarce strong enough for the task in hand, but who was yet working might and main with chisel and hammer.

From The Sign of the Red Cross by Everett-Green, Evelyn

Related Words

• effectively
• energetically
• forcefully
• intensely
• strongly
• vigorously