English idiom

go for broke

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to stake everything on one final effort to win or succeed

Word picture

A person is pictured staking every remaining resource on one attempt, even if losing leaves them broke.

Example

“With one minute left, the team went for broke and sent every player forward.”

Dictionary details

Component words

broke

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

break the back of

to get past the main obstacle so that the remaining work becomes easier

half the battle

the most important part of achieving something

make a go of

to turn an undertaking into a lasting success

make light work of

to handle a demanding task quickly and effortlessly

make short work of

to finish a task or overcome an opponent with surprising speed and ease

moment of truth

the decisive point when reality or the final outcome becomes clear

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

markdown