at the top of your lungs
Meaning
As loudly as you can; with maximum volume (e.g., shouting or singing very loudly).
Origin
A 19th-century metaphor: the “lungs” represent breath capacity, so being “at the top” suggests using the fullest breath and loudest voice possible.
Notes
Means “as loud as possible,” often for shouting or singing. Slightly hyperbolic and conversational; can imply the noise is excessive in context.
Examples
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She screamed at the top of her lungs when she saw the spider on her pillow.
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The fans sang at the top of their lungs as the team scored the winning goal.
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I shouted at the top of my lungs to warn him about the oncoming car.
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The kids were laughing and yelling at the top of their lungs in the backyard.
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He called her name at the top of his lungs, but the crowd was too loud.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: usually used after verbs like shout/scream/sing/cry (e.g., “shout at the top of your lungs”). Pronoun can vary (my/your/his/her/our/their). Rarely used with “voice” instead of “lungs.”
Synonyms
- at full volume
- as loud as possible
- at the top of your voice
Antonyms
- in a whisper
- under your breath
- quietly
- softly