All the way


Referring to something that is done fully, especially as a euphemism for full sexual activity.

I hear Jill’s parents were away for the weekend so she and Jack took the opportunity to go all the way for the first time.

USA, mid-20th century (with the sexual connotation)

Worldwide.

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.