English idiom

leave no stone unturned

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to try every possible way to achieve or find something

Why this phrase?

A thorough searcher turns over every stone to inspect what might be hidden underneath.

Example

“The search team left no stone unturned looking for the memory leak.”

Recorded usage

These full forms were measured in COCA in 2016–2017. Counts apply to the quoted form, not every use of this idiom; overlapping forms are not added together.

“Leave no stone unturned” — 45 recorded occurrences

Grouped source variants; editorially classified here as an idiom. Usage counts are separate from CEFR difficulty.

Dictionary details

Component words

stone turn

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

turn tail

to retreat or run away suddenly because of fear

the whole nine yards

Everything possible; the full extent.

give someone a run for their money

to compete nearly as well as a much stronger opponent, forcing them to work hard for victory

go the extra mile

To make more effort than is expected or required.

have a go

to make an attempt at doing something

all in a day's work

a task treated as routine because it belongs to someone's normal duties

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

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