PhrasesHub

leaving no stone unturned

    Definitions

      • thoroughness
        To make every possible effort to find or achieve something, leaving nothing unexamined or unexplored

      • determination
        To show great determination and persistence in pursuing a goal or solving a problem

    Examples of leaving no stone unturned

    • The detective left no stone unturned in his investigation of the murder case. He interrogated every potential witness, scoured the crime scene for even the slightest clues, and analyzed every piece of evidence with a fine-toothed comb.

      This idiom means that the detective exhausted all possible avenues of inquiry in his investigation. He left nothing to chance and left no detail unchecked. By leaving no stone unturned, the detective maximized his chances of solving the case and bringing the perpetrator to justice.

    • The athlete trained tirelessly, leaving no stone unturned in his quest for victory. He studied his opponents' moves, perfected his technique, and pushed himself to the limits of his physical and mental endurance.

      This idiom implies that the athlete left no aspect of his training unattended. He didn't spare any effort or resources in his preparation for the competition, ensuring that he was in peak physical and mental condition. By leaving no stone unturned, the athlete gave himself the best possible chance of winning.

    • The project manager left no stone unturned in preparing the team for the high-stakes presentation. She held countless practice sessions, addressed every potential issue, and equipped her team with the skills and resources they needed to excel.

      This idiom signifies that the project manager left nothing to chance or luck in her preparation. She left no stone unturned in her efforts to ensure her team was fully prepared, confident, and capable of delivering a successful presentation. By leaving no stone unturned, the project manager gave her team the best possible chance of success.

    • The archaeologist left no stone unturned in his search for the lost city. He combed the jungle, followed every lead, and patiently uncovered the clues that led him to the city's hidden location.

      This idiom shows that the archaeologist left no possible location unexplored in his search for the lost city. He didn't spare any effort or resources in his quest, ensuring that he left no stone unturned in his search. By leaving no stone unturned, the archaeologist maximized his chances of discovering the lost city and uncovering its secrets.

    • The detective left no stone unturned in her investigation. She thoroughly examined every piece of evidence and questioned every suspect in order to solve the case.

      This idiom means that the detective exhaustively and thoroughly investigated every possible lead in her attempt to solve the case. She left nothing to chance and did not overlook any detail.

    • In order to impress the boss, the team left no stone unturned in their presentation. They carefully prepared all the necessary materials, practiced their delivery, and anticipate any possible questions that might be asked.

      This idiom means that the team put in a lot of effort and preparation to make the presentation a success. They left nothing to chance and did not overlook any detail that could negatively impact the presentation.

    • The student left no stone unturned in her study regimen. She read every chapter, reviewed her notes, and practiced answering practice questions in order to prepare for the exam.

      This idiom means that the student was extremely diligent and thorough in her studying habits. She left no potential source of knowledge unchecked in her efforts to succeed in the exam.

    • The construction company left no stone unturned in their bid for the project. They carefully calculated the costs of all materials and labor, presented a detailed budget, and anticipated any potential complications that might arise during the project.

      This idiom means that the construction company was extremely thorough and meticulous in their proposal. They left no potential issue unaddressed in their attempts to win the bid.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "leaving no stone unturned" is used to emphasize thoroughness and determination in searching for something or solving a problem. It conveys the idea of making every possible effort and not overlooking any potential solution or opportunity. People use this idiom to emphasize their commitment to achieving a goal or finding a solution by exploring all available options and not giving up until they have exhausted every possibility.

    This idiom is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to convey the idea of leaving nothing unexamined or unexplored in pursuit of a specific outcome. It is often used to inspire perseverance and determination in the face of challenges or obstacles, highlighting the importance of thoroughness and persistence in achieving success.

    Origin of "leaving no stone unturned"

    The origin of the idiom "leaving no stone unturned" can be traced back to ancient times, with its roots in ancient Greek mythology. The story of the Greek hero Hercules and his famous Twelve Labors is often cited as the origin of this idiom. One of Hercules' labors was to clean the Augean stables, which were extremely filthy and had not been cleaned for many years. To accomplish this seemingly impossible task, Hercules diverted two rivers to wash away the filth, leaving no part of the stables untouched.

    This story symbolizes the idea of thoroughness and determination in the face of a daunting challenge, which is reflected in the modern usage of the idiom "leaving no stone unturned." The idiom has since become a popular and widely recognized expression used to convey the concept of exhaustive effort and determination in pursuing a goal or solving a problem. Its origins in ancient mythology give it a rich and enduring cultural significance.