The phrase "went for broke" means taking extreme risks or going all in. The word "broke" is pronounced as /broʊk/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), with the "o" sound being a longer version of the sound of the English word "go". The spelling of the word "broke" in this phrase is derived from the slang use of the term, meaning to be without money. The phrase "went for broke" originated from gambling, where players would bet all of their money on a single bet.
Went for broke is a commonly used idiomatic expression that originated in the United States during the mid-20th century. The phrase typically implies taking a significant risk or making a bold and unwavering effort to achieve success, often in a high-stakes situation.
When someone decides to "go for broke," they are committing themselves fully, almost to the point of recklessness, by investing all of their resources, whether it be time, money, or effort, into a single pursuit. The term often implies a lack of reservation, as one abandons the notion of playing it safe or exercising caution, instead embracing a mindset of putting everything on the line with no fallback plan.
This phrase is commonly used in contexts where individuals are pushing the limits of their abilities or striving for an ambitious goal, disregarding the potential consequences of failure. It hints at a determination to give it one's all, regardless of the odds stacked against them. The expression often conveys a sense of defiance, daring, or desperation, as individuals are willing to risk everything for the chance of achieving their desired outcome.
Overall, "went for broke" captures the idea of taking extreme measures, showing immense bravery, toughness, or audacity in pursuing a particular objective, regardless of whether it results in success or failure.