Meanings
First attested in the 1960s in the context of aviation, in reference to ball-shaped grips on an aircraft's engine controls (typically throttle, prop pitch and fuel mixture). Pushing these "balls to the wall" would put the engine at maximum power.[1][2] Analogous to pedal to the metal.
How to pronounce "balls to the wall":
AU
With maximum effort or commitment.
Full throttle; (at) maximum speed.
Example Sentences
1
When it comes to playing basketball, he goes balls to the wall every time.
2
The company is going balls to the wall with their new marketing campaign.
3
I worked balls to the wall to finish my project on time.
4
She's a balls to the wall kind of leader who never backs down from a challenge.
5
The firefighters went balls to the wall to save the burning building.
