push the boat out
push the boat out
Meaning
- to be extravagant or spend a lot of money on something, particularly for a celebration.
- to celebrate or enjoy oneself.
Example Sentences
- Let us push the boat out and celebrate the win with a fancy dinner tonight.
- We should not always push the boat out for every special occasion; at times, a simple gathering is enough.
- I’m not that kind of person to push the boat out when it comes to fashion; I normally stick with classic styles.
- We have been working hard this month, so let’s push the boat out and take a day off tomorrow.
- The students decided to push the boat out and throw a party as soon as the exams were finished.
- Our family is going to push the boat out and throw a huge party to celebrate my parents’ golden wedding anniversary.
Origin
In its literal sense, the phrase “push the boat out” is of nautical origin, which simply means to sail farther than usual. It has been used since at least 1767 in this context, but there are some theories that suggest an earlier origin. It is believed that the phrase originally referred to a boat being pushed out further into more dangerous waters and has become popular due to its metaphorical meaning of taking risks, making an effort, and doing something above normal expectations.
Another theory claims that the phrase originated in the slang of the Royal Navy in the 19th century, where it simply meant to order a round of drinks. The boat that was pushed out was likely the vessel carrying a group of sailors heading out for the night. Hence, the idiom has its roots in the United Kingdom. It is also thought to come from the custom of boat racing around a buoy or other marker, which was popular among British seafarers in days gone by. The phrase referred to the fact that one had to push their boat as hard as they could to get it around the buoy and back in place. This phrase has since come to mean “to go all-out” or “do something extravagantly”, as pushing a boat out can often indicate expending more effort than usual on an activity or endeavor. It is still used today when encouraging someone to make more of an effort or to really go all-out on something.
The phrase “push the boat out” is also used figuratively in business, particularly when referring to investments or strategies that require more effort and resources than usual. By pushing the boat out, a company may be taking a risk but expecting bigger rewards for doing so. It is a way of saying that something will be done to the best of one’s abilities, no matter what it takes.
To push the boat out can also mean to make an effort to impress someone or create an unforgettable experience. For example, if you are hosting a dinner party for friends, you may decide to “push the boat out” and get the finest ingredients to make it a memorable night.
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