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to push the boat out
01
to spend much money for parties and celebrations
Dialect
British
British
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "push the boat out" and when to use it?
The idiom "push the boat out" originated from the world of sailing. In the context of sailing, "pushing the boat out" means to launch a boat into the water, often with great effort and expense. Over time, the phrase evolved to take on a metaphorical meaning, referring to the act of making a special effort or going to extra lengths, especially in terms of spending money or resources, in order to celebrate or achieve something significant.
Examples
Sarah decided to push the boat out for her parents' 50th wedding anniversary and threw a lavish party at their favorite restaurant.
After months of hard work, the team decided to push the boat out and celebrate their success with a weekend getaway to a luxury resort.
