with the pedal to the metal
1. Pressing down the accelerator (of an automobile) as far as possible in order to accelerate to or travel at the maximum speed. With the pedal to the metal, we peeled away from the bank and sped off onto the highway.
2. By extension, with maximum speed or effort. We packed the last of the shipments with the pedal to the metal so we could get done on time.
with the pedal to the metal
with the accelerator of a car pressed to the floor. North American informal