Swing for the fences

usgb
verb

Try very hard to achieve something difficult.

Despite the challenges, he decided to swing for the fences and start his own business.
Visual representation of "swing for the fences" - Try very hard to achieve something difficult

Often appears as...

  • decide to swing for the fences
  • really swing for the fences

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "swing for the fences"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Ambitious Efforts

Used when someone is attempting something with great determination and effort.

Illustration for Ambitious Efforts
He's swinging for the fences to get that scholarship.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Big Risks

Implies taking significant risks to achieve a goal, often with an all-or-nothing approach.

Illustration for Big Risks
She's swinging for the fences by investing all her savings into the new venture.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Even though it originates from baseball, it's often used in non-sporting contexts to express striving for great success.

Illustration for Not Literal
In his career, he always swings for the fences.
Visual representation of the word "Swing for the fences"

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