Leave no stone unturned
Meaning
To make every possible effort and investigate every possibility in order to achieve a goal or find something.
Origin
After the decisive Battle of Plataea in 479 BC, where the Greeks famously routed the Persian army, immense treasures belonging to the defeated Persian general Mardonius were scattered across the battlefield. Eager to recover these riches, the Thebans sought wisdom from the Oracle of Delphi. Her cryptic advice was profound: 'Leave no stone unturned.' Interpreting her words literally, they embarked on a meticulous search, systematically moving every rock and scrutinizing every inch of the land. Their exhaustive effort paid off, leading them to discover the hidden Persian gold. This ancient Greek tale, recorded by historians like Plutarch, solidified the phrase as a timeless metaphor for making every possible effort in pursuit of a goal.
Examples
- The detective promised the family he would leave no stone unturned in finding the missing child.
- To secure the scholarship, she knew she would have to leave no stone unturned in her application and interview preparation.