What does “Go the whole hog” mean?

"Go the whole hog" means to fully commit and do something completely or thoroughly.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I decided to go the whole hog and renovate the entire house.

Example

Instead of just buying a few items, she decided to go the whole hog and completely redecorate her bedroom.

Example

When it comes to Halloween decorations, they always go the whole hog and transform their entire yard into a spooky graveyard

Is “Go the whole hog” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Go the whole hog” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Go the whole hog” effectively in context?

You can use "Go the Whole Hog" to express the idea of doing something completely or thoroughly. It emphasizes a commitment to going all the way and not holding back. For example, if someone is planning a party, you might say, 'Why not go the whole hog and have a costume contest, live music, and a buffet?'

1Home Renovation
Instead of just repainting the walls, she decided to go the whole hog and remodel the entire kitchen.
2Interior Design
They didn't just buy new curtains, they decided to go the whole hog and hire an interior designer to transform their living room.
3Event Planning
They didn't just want a small gathering, they decided to go the whole hog and rent out a venue, hire a caterer, and have live entertainment for their wedding.

Similar phrases to “Go the whole hog”:

Leave no stone unturned

To make every effort and consider every possibility in order to achieve a goal

Example

They left no stone unturned in their search for the perfect vacation destination.

Pull out all the stops

To make every possible effort and use all available resources to achieve a goal

Example

They pulled out all the stops to make their anniversary celebration unforgettable.

Give it one's all

To put forth maximum effort and dedication towards a goal

Example

She gave it her all in the final race of the season.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Go the whole hog” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Go the Whole Hog" is unknown.

Is “Go the whole hog” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Go the Whole Hog" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the idea of doing something completely or thoroughly without holding back.

What tone does “Go the whole hog” have?

"Go the Whole Hog" conveys a tone of enthusiasm and commitment. It's often used to encourage someone to fully embrace an idea or project and give it their all.

Can “Go the whole hog” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Go the Whole Hog" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of complete commitment. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She decided to go the whole hog and redecorate the entire house.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Let's "go the whole hog"!' to imply a desire for complete commitment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

go all out
give it everything
leave nothing undone
fully commit
dive in headfirst

Antonyms

take it easy
hold back
do things halfway
half-hearted effort
partial commitment