PhrasesHub

To move heaven and earth

    Definitions

      • to make a great effort
        To do everything possible to achieve a goal, often in the face of great obstacles or challenges

      • to use all available means
        To utilize all resources and options in order to accomplish something, even if it requires extraordinary effort

    Examples of To move heaven and earth

    • Sally went to extraordinary lengths to ensure that her daughter's wedding was a success. She moved heaven and earth to make sure that everything was perfect, from booking the best venue to hiring the most talented florist.

      The idiom 'to move heaven and earth' means to go to great lengths, to spare no effort, in order to achieve something. Sally's efforts were so significant that it seemed as if she was moving the heavens above and the earth below to make her daughter's wedding a truly unforgettable experience.

    • In order to secure the deal, Tom had to move heaven and earth. He traveled across the country to meet with potential clients, stayed up all night to prepare presentations, and even went as far as hiring a private jet to impress them.

      The idiom 'to move heaven and earth' is often used in a business context to describe someone who is incredibly persistent and determined to succeed. Tom's relentless efforts to secure the deal illustrate just how far one may go when they are truly dedicated to achieving their goals.

    • After losing her husband to illness, Helen was devastated. She felt as though her world had come crashing down around her. But Helen refused to give up. She moved heaven and earth to keep her family together, working two jobs to make ends meet and ensuring that her children received the best possible education.

      The idiom 'to move heaven and earth' can also be used to describe someone who is incredibly resilient in the face of adversity. Helen's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she refused to let her circumstances defeat her, and instead chose to push through and create a better future for herself and her family.

    • Despite the odds, Jack persisted. He poured everything he had into his venture, moving heaven and earth to turn his dream into a reality. And in the end, his hard work paid off, as he emerged victorious.

      The idiom 'to move heaven and earth' is a powerful metaphor that represents the profound effort and dedication required to achieve great things. Jack's story is a reminder that success is not easily attained, but rather requires an unrelenting commitment to one's goals and aspirations.

    • She went to tremendous lengths to make sure the wedding went off without a hitch. She moved heaven and earth to secure the perfect venue, hire the best caterers, and orchestrate every detail to perfection.

      This idiom is used to describe the extraordinary measures someone takes to achieve a goal or make something happen. It highlights the incredible effort and commitment required to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and achieve success. In this case, the bride's efforts to ensure the perfect wedding were so exhaustive and arduous that they seemed to rival the movements of the heavens and the earth. She left no stone unturned and pulled out all the stops to make her dream day a reality.

    • The company's CEO was determined to close the expensive land deal, and he moved heaven and earth to make it happen. He negotiated tirelessly with the landowners, arranged last-minute financing, and mobilized all the resources at his disposal to secure the property.

      This idiom is often used in a business context to convey the extent of someone's drive and ambition. In this example, the CEO's relentless efforts to achieve his goal were so remarkable that they seemed almost supernatural in nature, as if he had the power to move the heavens and the earth. The expression highlights the extraordinary effort and commitment required to achieve success in the competitive world of business, when every deal is a delicate negotiation and every obstacle a potential deal-breaker.

    • My friend has been moving heaven and earth to find a new job, ever since he was laid off a few months ago. He's been applying for dozens of positions, attending job fairs, and networking like a maniac.

      This idiom is commonly used to describe someone's frantic efforts to achieve a desired outcome, particularly in the context of a difficult and prolonged process. In this case, the friend's desperate bid to find a new job is likened to the incredible forces that move the heavens and the earth. It highlights the magnitude of his struggle and the extent of his commitment to finding employment, as well as the profound impact that this event has had on his life and his sense of self.

    • The lead actor in the Broadway musical was so dedicated to her performance that she moved heaven and earth to prepare for her role. She studied the character for months, memorized the lines, and rehearsed till her voice was hoarse.

      This idiom is frequently employed to convey the extraordinary effort and determination required to achieve success in the arts, where talent and skill are only part of the story. In this case, the actor's remarkable efforts to perfect her role are compared to the forces that move the heavens and the earth, highlighting the sheer magnitude of her commitment and the intensity of her drive. The expression underscores the profound impact that this undertaking has had on her life and her art, as well as the incredible impact that she has had on audiences lucky enough to see her perform.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "to move heaven and earth" is used to express the idea of putting in a tremendous amount of effort to achieve a desired outcome. It can be used to emphasize the determination and persistence required to overcome obstacles and accomplish a goal. The phrase conveys the idea of doing whatever it takes, using all available means and resources, to make something happen. It suggests a willingness to go to great lengths and make sacrifices in pursuit of a specific objective.

    This idiom is often used in a figurative sense, emphasizing the extraordinary commitment and dedication needed to reach a goal. It is frequently employed in contexts where a significant challenge or difficulty must be overcome, highlighting the extent of the effort and determination being exerted.

    Origin of "To move heaven and earth"

    The origin of the idiom "to move heaven and earth" can be traced back to ancient religious and mythological beliefs. The phrase reflects the idea of exerting extraordinary effort to achieve something considered to be of great significance or importance. In many cultures and belief systems, the heavens and the earth are seen as powerful and influential forces, and the notion of moving them implies a remarkable level of determination and willpower.

    The expression has been used in various forms throughout history, appearing in literature and religious texts. It has become a widely recognized and commonly used idiom in the English language, conveying the concept of relentless effort and determination in the face of daunting challenges. The origin of the idiom speaks to the human tendency to strive for extraordinary accomplishments, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Examples of its usage can be found in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations, illustrating its enduring relevance and resonance in communicating the idea of unwavering determination and perseverance.