all hands on deck

[ awl handz on dek ]

interjection

1. (used as an order to all members of a ship’s crew to report to the deck at once, as in an emergency):

   We were roused from our bunks by shouts of “All hands on deck!”

idiom

1. (used as a call for the immediate assistance of everyone present or available):

   We only have two days till the deadline, people, so—all hands on deck!

2. immediate and concerted effort, or a situation that calls for it:

   We can nip crime in the bud if we go at it with all hands on deck.

   If the server goes down, it’s going to be all hands on deck.

Word History and Origins

Origin of all hands on deck¹

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

Not your typical singles mixer, All Hands on Deck is a high-energy matchmaking event where participants pitch their single friends to an audience of mostly singles with a slide deck presentation, the kind one might give to their team at work in a data report meeting.

From Los Angeles Times

Co-founders Andrea Ramirez and David Greenberg — who have been hosting speed dating events in L.A. through their company, the Next Fun Thing — launched All Hands on Deck in April after seeing a similar event take place in Seattle.

From Los Angeles Times

And for many who are abandoning dating apps, events like All Hands on Deck are an exciting way to meet potential suitors offline.

From Los Angeles Times

Held at the House of Cocotte in the Arts District, Ramirez and Greenberg, who have been dating for roughly five years, wanted All Hands on Deck to feel like a full-on production.

From Los Angeles Times

Mariah Harvey filled out the All Hands on Deck questionnaire to pitch her friend Shakoul Bailey without his knowledge, but when she realized that they were probably going to be picked, she had to tell him.

From Los Angeles Times