all-standing

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

Without preparation, suddenly.


This, like many other common expressions, seems to be borrowed from the sea. Thus, a ship in full career, whose course is suddenly checked by striking against a rock, or by a squall of wind, is said to be brought-to all-standing, i.e. with all her sails set and unprepared for stopping. And hence we say, for instance, of a horseman or an orator whose course is suddenly checked, that he is brought up all-standing.

It was no stumble, no pitching head first over a steep precipice; but on the contrary, I walked directly off the giddy height--to use a common expression, went over all-standing.--Kendall's Santa Fé Expedition.

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