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Vocabulary : Sayings : P : Put the pedal to the metal

Put the pedal to the metal American English

Possible interpretation: Go as fast as possible.

Origin: This saying originates from the idea of pressing a car's accelerator pedal down hard to the (metal) floor, thus making the car go at maximum speed.

Variety: This is typically used in American English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz:

If you "put the pedal to the metal" you will
  1. seize up
  2. slow down
  3. speed up