give one's all

Verb

give one's all (third-person singular simple present gives one's all, present participle giving one's all, simple past gave one's all, past participle given one's all)

1. To make the utmost effort; to contribute, using all of one's abilities and resources.
   • Near-synonym: give it one's best shot
   • "I'd go myself, if I was any use. As I ain't, I give my boys, and give 'em free." He spoke so cheerfully, looked so sincere, and seemed so glad to give his all, that I was ashamed of myself.1868, Louisa May Alcott, chapter 4, in Little Women

   Synonyms:

   go all out, give 110%, pull out all the stops, do one's utmost, leave it all on the field, empty the tank, give it one's best shot

2. (euphemistic, idiomatic) To lose one's life while making the utmost effort with full commitment.
   • The Cemeterial Division . . . has taken up the huge task of establishing contact with the mothers or widows of the 30,000 American soldiers who gave their all and whose bodies rest in graves across the sea.1929 April 10, “Plans for War Mothers Pilgrimage Started”, in Rochester Evening Journal and the Post Express, retrieved 18 Jun 2011, page 26
   • Police officers expressed shock at the news of their fellow officer's death. "He gave his all; he literally gave his all," said Officer Edward Looney.2005 August 4, Kareem Fahim, “Sniper Kills New York Police Officer in Iraq”, in New York Times, retrieved 17 Jun 2011

   Synonyms:

   assume room temperature, auger in, be called home, be gathered to one's fathers, be like the the One, be no more, be with Jesus, be with the Lord, bite the big one, bite the biscuit