up to eleven
The phrase 'up to eleven' originates from the 1984 film 'This Is Spinal Tap,' where a character boasts about his amplifier's volume knob going beyond the standard maximum.
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Definition
B2General
(humorous, informal)To an extremely high or intense degree, beyond the usual limits.
Example
- When the party got started, the energy level went up to eleven.
- Her enthusiasm for the project was up to eleven, inspiring everyone around her.
B2General
(slang, informal)To increase something to an excessive or extreme degree.
Example
- He decided to take his workout routine up to eleven.
- The director turned the drama in the movie up to eleven.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "up to eleven":