not do things by halves

not do things by halves

To not do anything half-heartedly or without effort. Of course Stephanie always gets straight A's—she just can't do things by halves.

See also: by, halves, not, thing

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

not do things by halves

If you do not do things by halves, you always do things very well and thoroughly or in an extreme way. Kim and Christopher Dunn are not a couple to do things by halves. When it came to furnishing their new home, they decided to completely redecorate the whole house. Note: You can also say that someone does not do anything by halves. Joe never did anything by halves. He regularly worked 12-hour days, was always in training for the next marathon and in his spare time, built his own house.

See also: by, halves, not, thing

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

not do things by halves

do things thoroughly or extravagantly.

See also: by, halves, not, thing

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017