Total war including civilian casualties as opposed to a war that is limited only to armies.
Hitler was waging an all-out war when he invaded Poland.
Sue used to be an "ugly duckling" when she was at the awkward age, but today she is a glamorous fashion model.
To the full extent; in all details; thoroughly; completely.
He understood automobile engines backwards and forwards.
He knew basketball rules backwards and forwards.
I explained matters to him so that he understood backwards and forwards how it was.
A contest of wills during which the parties do not fight physically but try to wear each other out.
It has been a regular battle of nerves to get the new program accepted at the local state university.
To try so hard to avoid a mistake that you make the opposite mistake instead; do the opposite of something that you know you should not do; do too much to avoid doing the wrong thing; also, make a great effort; try very hard.
Instead of punishing the boys for breaking a new rule, the principal bent over backward to explain why the rule was important.
Mary was afraid the girls at her new school would be stuck up, but they leaned over backward to make her feel at home.
Tim was very pale and looked like death warmed over, so I couldn't help asking him what the matter was.
Тим был очень бледным, выглядел больным, так что я не мог удержаться от вопроса, что с ним случилось.
A struggle that is carried on by other means and not by actual fighting; a war without shooting or bombing.
After World War II, a cold war began between Russia and the United States.
Делать все чтобы порадовать кого-нибудь; пытаться изо всех сил удовлетворить чьи-либо желания.
The boys fell over themselves trying to get the new girl's attention.
My aunt falls all over me whenever she comes to visit.
Моя тетя с меня пылинки сдувает, когда приходит в гости.