Origin of Phrases - P
Pull out all the stops
Meaning: To make every effort, to use all advantages.
Example: You have been out of work for over a year. It is time for you to pull out all the stops and actually start applying for a few jobs.
Origin: This phrase comes from the pipe organs in churches and classical music. Each pipe has a "stop" that acts as a baffle that controls the amount of airflow. The volume of the organ can be adjusted by adding or removing the stops.
By pulling out all the stops, all pipes are playing at their loudest.