The phrase "shot the works" is a colloquial expression used to denote giving one's all or taking a risk. It is spelled following the English pronunciation system using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription as /ʃɒt ðə wɜːks/. The first word "shot" is pronounced with a sh sound followed by the long o sound, while "the" is pronounced with the schwa sound. Lastly, "works" is pronounced with a w sound, followed by the long vowel sound ɜːr, and the k and s sounds at the end.
"Shot the works" is an idiomatic expression often associated with gambling or taking a bold, risky action in a particular situation. It refers to the act of going all out, giving maximum effort, or taking the biggest gamble possible with the intention to win or achieve a desired outcome.
In a gambling context, "shot the works" is commonly used to describe a player who places all their remaining chips or bets all their money on one particular game, round, or spin. By doing so, the individual is taking a considerable risk, as they are jeopardizing everything they have for the chance of a significant win.
Beyond gambling, "shot the works" can be used to describe a person who decides to give their utmost effort or employ all their available resources to accomplish a specific goal or overcome a challenge. It implies a sense of boldness, determination, and willingness to take a leap of faith in pursuit of success.
The origin of this expression is unclear, but it likely stems from the practice of shooting a game of chance by placing all the bets or chips at once. Metaphorically, it reflects the idea of putting everything on the line, leaving no room for doubt or moderation.