up to the hub

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To the extreme point. The figure is that of a vehicle sunk in the mud up to the hub of the wheels, which is as far as it can go.


Newman. I am sorry not to have your good opinion. I don't doubt your courage.

Doolittle. No, you ought not. I've been up to the hub, and didn't flinch. No, nor won't back out now. I'll tell you what, Mister! if we Yankees come to loggerheads, we'll show whose heads are hardest.--D. Humphreys, The Yankee in England, p. 33.

"You've hearn tell of the bank and tarriff questions?"

"Yes," replied the new editor of the Eagle newspaper.

"Well, hoss, we expect you to be right co-chuck up to the hub on them thar questions, and pour it into the enemy in slashergaff style."--Robb, Squatter Life, p. 31.

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