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to swing for the fences
01
to aim for goals that are unrealistic or extremely difficult to achieve
Dialect
American
American![to [swing] for the fences definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/46661/original/?type=jpeg "to [swing] for the fences definition and meaning")
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "swing for the fences" and when to use it?
The idiom "swing for the fences" has its origins in baseball, where batters attempt to hit a home run by swinging the bat as hard as they can to send the ball over the outfield fence. In a broader sense, it is used to describe a strategy or approach that aims for an exceptionally ambitious, risky, or extraordinary outcome.
Examples
In the business world, taking calculated risks and aiming high is akin to swinging for the fences to achieve substantial growth.
The scientist knew that tackling the complex research project would be like swinging for the fences, but the potential discoveries made it worthwhile.
