muːv ˈhɛvən ænd ɜːrθ
General
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- To relocate the sky and the ground
What does "move heaven and earth" mean?
- To do everything possible to achieve something
- To make extraordinary efforts
Examples
- I'll move heaven and earth to make it happen.
- She moved heaven and earth to get her son into that school.
- They moved heaven and earth to complete the project on time.
Origin
The image of moving the most immovable things (heaven and earth) represents the ultimate effort. Biblical imagery of ultimate power.
How to use it
Emphasizes extreme determination and effort. Often shows dedication to a cause or person.
Similar expressions
do everything possible
go to great lengths
spare no effort
Opposites
give up easily
make minimal effort
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "move heaven and earth" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.