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throttle

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at full throttle

As fast as something or someone can go Once Tom caught the ball, he took off at full throttle toward the end zone. I started feeling nauseous on the way home because Kelly was driving at full throttle on a windy highway.

See also: full, throttle

at full speed

As fast as possible. I drove at full speed, and I still got there late. Do you think she has a chance to win the race, if she runs at full speed? They are planning this wedding at full speed. I hope they don't forget any major details.

See also: full, speed

at full speed

 and at full tilt; at full throttle

as fast as possible. The motor was running at full speed. John finished his running at full tilt. When the horse reached the back stretch he was at full throttle.

See also: full, speed

throttle something down

to reduce the speed of an engine by adjusting the throttle. She throttled her engine down and came to a stop. She throttled down her engine.

See also: down, throttle

(at) full throttle

if a person or a machine is at full throttle, they are doing something as well and with as much energy as they can By the end of May, the assembly line will be working at full throttle.

See also: full, throttle

throttle back

or throttle down

v.

1. To decrease the speed of an engine with a throttle: The captain throttled back when we entered the harbor.

2. To decrease the speed of some engine with a throttle: The captain throttled back the engine as we approached the dock. The pilot throttled the engine back to idle.

See also: back, throttle