no stone unturned

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression 'no stone unturned' is entirely correct and usable in written English.
Essentially, this expression is used to convey the idea that no effort has been spared to complete or understand something. For example, you could say "My mother-in-law really left no stone unturned when researching our family tree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"I leave no stone unturned.

The New York Times

We want to leave no stone unturned.

The New York Times

We can leave no stone unturned.

The New York Times - Sports

All angles covered; no stone unturned.

The Guardian - Opinion

And EA attempted to leave no stone unturned.

The Guardian - Sport

I caned the arse out of it and left no stone unturned.

Independent

From lamps and light sockets to lavatories and sinks, the pair left no stone unturned.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

She added: "'No stone unturned' is their motto, and that's right".

BBC

We have left no stone unturned in our efforts.

Independent

Lord Heseltine's recent report, "No Stone Unturned", was all about this.

BBC

The coach [Steve McNamara] has left no stone unturned.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no stone unturned" when you want to emphasize the thoroughness of an investigation or search. It adds a sense of diligence and commitment to finding a solution or uncovering information.

Common error

Avoid using "no stone unturned" when describing a routine task. This idiom implies a significant and determined effort, so reserve it for situations where a truly exhaustive approach is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no stone unturned" functions as an idiomatic expression. It is typically used as a verb phrase modifier, adding emphasis to the action of searching or investigating. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression conveys the idea that no effort has been spared.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "no stone unturned" signifies a commitment to thoroughness and exhaustive effort in searching or investigating. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Appearing frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure correct usage, remember that it is best employed when describing extensive efforts, not routine tasks. Alternatives such as "explore every avenue" and "leave no avenue unexplored" can be used to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explore every avenue

Focuses on exploring different possibilities or methods.

leave no avenue unexplored

Emphasizes not neglecting any potential option or approach.

leave no possibility unexplored

Indicates a comprehensive search without overlooking any chances.

exhaust all possibilities

Highlights the complete use of all available options.

try every option

Stresses the attempt to use all alternatives.

cover all bases

Implies ensuring all aspects are taken care of, particularly to prevent failure.

go the whole nine yards

Signifies doing everything possible, without holding back.

search high and low

Suggests searching everywhere without exception.

look into every nook and cranny

Highlights a very detailed search of every place and aspect.

dig deep

Implies a thorough search for information or solutions.

FAQs

How can I use "no stone unturned" in a sentence?

You can say, "The detective promised to leave "no stone unturned" in the search for the missing documents" to emphasize the thoroughness of the investigation.

What does "no stone unturned" mean?

The idiom "no stone unturned" means to make every possible effort to find something or solve a problem, indicating a comprehensive and exhaustive search.

What can I say instead of "no stone unturned"?

You can use alternatives like "explore every avenue", "leave no avenue unexplored", or "exhaust all possibilities" depending on the context.

Is it "leave no stone unturned" or "turn every stone"?

The correct idiom is "leave no stone unturned". While "turn every stone" might seem similar, it's not the established phrase.