Phrase guide

at full tilt

prep_phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

At full speed; very quickly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Don't go racing around corners at full tilt or you'll hit someone.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Recorded c. 1600, perhaps from the interpretation of tilt (“a joust”) as derived from "leaning" into an attack, presumably a folk etymology, as tilt in late Middle English meant “a covering of coarse cloth, an awning” and referred to the barrier separating the combatants in a joust.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Ancient Greek: δρόμῳ (drómōi) — at full speed
  • Polish: co tchu — at full speed
  • Polish: ile tchu — at full speed
  • Spanish: a toda velocidad — at full speed
  • Spanish: a todo tren — at full speed