For all the marbles
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.
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.