Level C2

leave no stone unturned

make every possible effort

In Spanish

no dejar piedra sin remover, agotar todas las opciones

Examples

  • The investigators left no stone unturned in their search for evidence.
  • She promised to leave no stone unturned in finding a solution to the problem.
  • The team left no stone unturned to ensure the event was a success.

When it's used

This idiom is used to emphasize making a thorough effort to find a solution or achieve a result. It is heard in both formal and informal contexts and is common in both speech and writing. It is often used in motivational speeches and situations requiring intense dedication.

The common mistake

A common mistake is to mix up the word order and say 'leave no unturned stone'. This does not respect the fixed order of the expression and sounds incorrect to native speakers.

Related idioms

Recognising it isn't the same as using it

Reading an idiom and understanding it is step one. Dropping it into a conversation, at the right moment, without stopping to think, is another — and that only comes from speaking.

Practise speaking