All hands on deck

All hands on deck

Definition
All hands on deck
All hands on deck.jpg

"All hands on deck" is a maritime expression used to signify that everyone on board a ship is needed to assist with a particular task or emergency. It originated as a call to action for sailors to gather on the deck to help navigate through challenging situations such as storms, repairs, or urgent maneuvers. The phrase emphasizes teamwork and readiness, indicating that every crew member's contribution is essential to the ship's safety and success.

Figuratively, "all hands on deck" is also used in non-nautical contexts to convey a similar sense of urgency and collective effort. It denotes a situation where everyone's involvement and assistance are required to address a pressing issue, complete a demanding task, or manage a critical situation effectively. This expression underscores the importance of unity, cooperation, and mobilizing all available resources to achieve a common goal or overcome obstacles, whether in a professional setting, community effort, or personal endeavor.

Example sentences
When the storm hit, the captain shouted, "All hands on deck!" to prepare the ship.
The project deadline was approaching, so it was all hands on deck to get everything done.
With the festival starting tomorrow, it's all hands on deck to finish setting up.
The charity event required all hands on deck to ensure its success.
As the hurricane approached, it was all hands on deck to secure the property.