might and main, with



might and main, with

Strenuously, vigorously, as in She pulled on the rope with all her might and main. This expression is redundant, since the noun main also means "strength" or "power." It survives only in this phrase, which may also be dying out. [Late 1200s]
See also: and, might

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Nashwa-Arabic
Aghi-Ancient Scandinavian
EmmelineEM-ə-leen, EM-ə-lienEnglish (Archaic)
Theokleia-Ancient Greek
Joukahainen-Finnish Mythology
Luljeta-Albanian