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

The men pulled at the hawser, and shoved might and main with the oars.

From Man on the Ocean A Book about Boats and Ships by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

Arrived before the cottage door, he drew his sword, and, taking it by the blade, pounded with might and main with the butt on the panel.

From Cedric, the Forester by Marshall, Bernard Gay

We worked with might and main; with our axes we cut away the after-bulwarks, so as to launch it overboard.

From Will Weatherhelm The Yarn of an Old Sailor by Webb, Archibald

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

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

Related Words

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