The idiom “flat out” is something done with maximum speed, effort, speed or intensity, usually without slowing down or pausing. For instance, if someone says, “I was working flat out the whole day,” they are saying that they worked extremely hard, without stopping.
It can also be used to describe high-speeds, eg, “They were going flat out before the crash, meaning it was travelling as fast as possible. “Flat out” can also imply a situation where there is no compromise or moderation – an all-or-nothing approach.
It’s a flexible phrase, widely used in both casual and professional contexts to mean maximum exertion or speed, whether physically or metaphorically.
Origin of the Idiom “Flat Out”
Shakespeare used “flat out” in The Tempest in the early 17th century. The phrase appeared in the play in a nautical context, referring to the idea of a sail being fully extended, flattened to catch the wind and propel a ship forward, using the full power of the wind.
The term evolved over time, and by the 19th century, it was used to describe the power of steam engines. When their throttles were fully open, they would run at their maximum capacity – “flat out”. This technical term used the notion of full effort or speed, and from there it came to be used in everyday language to describe intense work or rapid movement, which is what it means today. Thus, while its literal meaning may have evolved, the essential meaning – maximum exertion – has remained constant.
The Shakespeare Connection
The Shakespeare’s connection to the idiom “flat out” shows its roots in literary usage.
In The Tempest (1611), Prospero, reprimanding Caliban, says:
“In the same fashion, as my mother’s son
Would do, if he were to take on this great task
And in the same measure that the stranger, knowing not
How well the mighty temper may be forced,
He flat-out uses all his strength to reach it.”
In this extract “flat-out” refers to the effort made by Caliban to work hard. He is accused of being lazy. Shakespeare’s use of “flat out expresses the idea of pushing oneself to the utmost limit in action or effort. The term, in the context of The Tempest, likely refers to a complete, unreserved use of strength or will.
The continued use of “flat out” today, in a variety of contexts, demonstrates the enduring impact of that and other literary usages.
“Flat out”
“Flat Out” in the Media
The idiom has been and is being used in various forms of literature, art, music, and other media, adapting its meaning and connotations to fit different contexts. Here are some examples:
Literature
In literature, “flat out” often appears as a way of describing intense action, effort, or emotion. For example, in contemporary novels or thrillers, characters may “run flat out” or “work flat out” to express their urgency or dedication. Authors like Stephen King or thrillers like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo frequently use such expressions to convey high stakes or intense situations, emphasizing characters’ maximum physical or mental effort.
Music
In music, the term “flat out” can describe a song performed at maximum speed or intensity. For example, rock bands or punk musicians might use the term to describe fast-paced, energetic performances. Songs like “Flat Out” by Australian rock band The Living End evoke feelings of high-energy performance, pushing musical limits. The phrase can also be used in lyrics to suggest a sense of urgency or living life to its fullest.
Art
While not as commonly used directly in visual art, the concept of “flat out” can be interpreted in abstract art or performance art, where artists express themselves with complete abandon or intensity. The act of painting or creating art “flat out” could convey a raw, unrestrained creative process, often associated with movements like Abstract Expressionism, where artists like Jackson Pollock used forceful brushstrokes to create intense, full-body works.
Film and Television
In film and television, “flat out” is often used in action sequences to convey high-speed chases, intense physical feats, or characters running on adrenaline. In action films, a character might be shown running “flat out” to escape danger or achieve something critical. For example, in the Fast and Furious franchise, racing and driving “flat out” is a central theme, emphasizing speed, competition, and high-octane action.
Other Media
In video games, “flat out” is used to describe racing games like FlatOut, where players drive at full speed to outpace opponents. The idiom in this context underscores the game’s focus on speed and intensity, aligning perfectly with the thrill of racing. Additionally, in sports media, particularly in commentary, “flat out” is often used to describe athletes giving their all in a race or competition, such as “He ran flat out in the final stretch.”
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