opened the throttle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opened the throttle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to vehicles, machinery, or metaphorically to indicate increasing speed or intensity. Example: "As the race began, he opened the throttle and surged ahead of the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Steinmetz opened the throttle.

The New Yorker

Raccoon opened the throttle and aimed skyward.

Nature

We turned out of the driveway and opened the throttle.

The New York Times - Magazine

With a push of a dashboard switch the wheels retracted, and I opened the throttle wide.

The New York Times

Steinmetz opened the throttle and attempted to climb out of the turbulence.

The New Yorker

On the bay, he smiled as he opened the throttle full.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

So open the throttle.

The New Yorker

Alcock opens the throttle and brings both engines to full power.

The New Yorker

Between now and then, the White House will open the throttle on its attack machine.

The New York Times

It then opens the throttle precisely to match the higher engine speed of the impending gear.

The New York Times

Open the throttle and get ready to battle this Will Shortz puzzle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opened the throttle" to describe a deliberate action of increasing power or speed in vehicles or machinery. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate increasing intensity or effort.

Common error

Avoid using "opened the throttle" in contexts where a more nuanced or precise verb would be appropriate. While it can be used metaphorically, ensure the context clearly supports the image of acceleration or unleashing power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opened the throttle" primarily functions as a verb phrase describing the action of increasing the power supplied to an engine or similar mechanism. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opened the throttle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, that describes the action of increasing power or speed, particularly in the context of engines or machinery. While suitable for both literal and metaphorical contexts, careful attention should be paid to the intended nuance. The phrase is commonly found in news and media outlets, and its appropriate usage extends from technical descriptions to informal narratives. Remember that while "opened the throttle" and similar expressions such as "stepped on the gas" share a common meaning, context will ultimately determine the most suitable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advanced the throttle

Uses a different verb to describe the action of manipulating the throttle.

applied full throttle

Focuses on the extent of throttle usage.

increased the acceleration

Changes the specific action to a more general description of increasing speed.

pushed the throttle forward

Specifies the physical action of moving the throttle.

increased the engine speed

Focuses on the result of opening the throttle.

accelerated rapidly

Replaces the specific action with a description of the resulting acceleration.

gave it more gas

More colloquial expression for increasing engine power.

cranked up the speed

Informal way of describing increase in speed.

stepped on the gas

A common idiom for accelerating a vehicle.

put the pedal to the metal

An idiomatic phrase describing maximum acceleration.

FAQs

How can I use "opened the throttle" in a sentence?

You can use "opened the throttle" to describe the act of increasing speed in a vehicle, as in, "The race car driver "opened the throttle" on the straightaway."

What are some alternatives to saying "opened the throttle"?

Alternatives include phrases like "increased the speed", "accelerated rapidly", or "applied full throttle", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to use "opened the throttle" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "opened the throttle" can be used metaphorically to describe an increase in intensity or effort, similar to saying someone "increased the pace" of a project or activity.

What's the difference between "opened the throttle" and "stepped on the gas"?

"Opened the throttle" is generally used in contexts involving engines or machinery, whereas "stepped on the gas" is specific to automobiles and is a more informal expression for acceleration.