Leave No Stone Unturned — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

To do everything possible to find something or solve a problem — leaving no option unexplored.

When you leave no stone unturned, you are thorough and persistent, trying every approach until you find what you’re looking for.

It’s often used when someone is fully committed to finding an answer or achieving a goal.

Use it when…

When someone searches every possible place or tries every option to find an answer
When a team explores every strategy before giving up on a goal
When someone is determined to find the truth no matter how long it takes

Don’t confuse with...

"Dot the I’s and Cross the T’s"

—

Pay careful attention to every small detail in completing a specific task

"Cover All the Bases"

—

Make sure every scenario or aspect of a plan has been addressed

"Leave No Stone Unturned"

—

Try every possible option and explore everywhere

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Leave No Stone Unturned" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Corporate Issues

The CEO told the investigation team to leave no stone unturned in finding out what caused the data breach.

Relationships & Social Life

Advice / Support

Her mentor told her to leave no stone unturned when looking for the right investor — the right one was out there.

Media & Everyday Life

Interviews

The detective told the press that the team would leave no stone unturned until the case was solved.

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Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Leave No Stone Unturned" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Problem-Solving

Manager

We’ve been through the usual options and nothing’s working. What now?

You

We leave no stone unturned. Let’s go back to the start and question every assumption.

Relationships

Honest Conversations

You

I’ll leave no stone unturned to find out what happened. You deserve the truth.

Friend

Thank you. That means more than you know.

Everyday Conversations

Storytelling

Friend

Did you ever find out who took your laptop at the hostel?

You

I left no stone unturned — spoke to staff, checked CCTV, filed a report — but nothing came of it.

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Last updated:

April 20, 2026

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