For all the marbles ππ―π±
Meaning
To compete for the absolute highest stakes or the entire prize, leaving nothing else to be won.
Origin
The phrase "for all the marbles" vividly recalls the competitive spirit of childhood games, particularly the timeless game of marbles. When children played "for keeps," the stakes were real: the victor would claim all the marbles lost by their opponent. To play "for all the marbles" escalated this concept, signifying a contest where the entire collection, the ultimate prize, was on the line. This imagery of total victory or total loss, where every precious orb was at stake, transitioned from the playground to everyday language, becoming a popular metaphor for any situation where the stakes are absolute and the final outcome determines everything.
For all the marbles represented with emojiππ―π±
This playful arrangement of a gleaming trophy, the number 100, and a billiard ball invites us to consider the ultimate stakes. It functions as a whimsical reminder not just of competition, but of the grand pursuit where everything is on the line, a dash of delight in the face of high-stakes endeavors.
Examples
- The two rival teams were playing for all the marbles in the championship game, with the season title on the line.
- After years of hard work, her final presentation was for all the marbles, determining if she would get the promotion.