at full tilt

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.

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

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Prepositional phrase

at full tilt

1. (idiomatic) At full speed; very quickly.

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