2006-11-06 05:14:12 · 12 answers · asked by cookie monster 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
It means to to give it everything............. it comes from the first world war, the belt of ammunition for the machine gun was 9 yards long............. hence give them the whole 9 yards.
2006-11-06 05:23:31 · answer #1 · answered by Robert B 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It means willing to go the whole way whatever it takes to get to the end of the situation. The whole nine yards. All the way.
2006-11-06 05:23:53 · answer #2 · answered by XhappytalkX 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As stated, it means to go all the way, totally, completely. I have an idea it originates in sail ship days, when sails were called "yards". I guess a common type of ship had nine of these, so to go all out for speed would be the whole nine yards, just an idea.
2006-11-06 11:03:58 · answer #3 · answered by PAUL H 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am not 100% sure but I think it is an American football term.
The pitch is separated into 10 yards strips and if a player manages to get the ball 'the whole nine yards' without being tackle the have as good as won the segment.
I have a very limited knowledge of the game itself so as I said I am not completely sure - however I love finding the origins of phrases and words lol! And I am quite sure that even if I have got the game rules slightly wrong then at least I have got origins of the phrase right.
2006-11-06 05:25:23 · answer #4 · answered by beflihippy 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Give it everything you got, even if its not all the way in your mind. Football reference- it takes 10 yards to get a first down, but 9 yards in a play is pretty good most of the time.
2006-11-06 05:21:51 · answer #5 · answered by fetchrat 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The whole way.
e.g. We went the whole nine yards = we went the whole way.
2006-11-06 05:18:54 · answer #6 · answered by Brian G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It potential the full kit n caboodle. i'm uncertain if I somewhat have. i ought to reconsider my approach with regard to the full 9 yards, there is yet another backyard or 2, thrown in for good degree i ought to seem into.
2016-12-28 14:28:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
going to full lengths, making the whole way.
2006-11-06 05:26:26 · answer #8 · answered by jollywood 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure thet it's a reference to American Football, distance to get a 'first down'
2006-11-06 05:24:33 · answer #9 · answered by Hendo 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
All are valid answers!
2006-11-06 05:24:45 · answer #10 · answered by lance b 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋