play to win

Verb

 * 1)  To play in an especially competitive, committed manner, focused intently on winning.
 * 2)  To make a special, determined effort to achieve general success or a particular goal, in life, in one's career, in negotiation, etc.
 * 3) * 1988, David Mahoney (chairman, Norton Simon Inc.), quoted in The Executive's Book of Quotations (Oxford, 1994), ISBN 9780195078367, p. 298:
 * "The difference between playing to win and playing not to lose is the difference between the successful executive and the security-hunting, mediocre man.
 * 1) * 1988, David Mahoney (chairman, Norton Simon Inc.), quoted in The Executive's Book of Quotations (Oxford, 1994), ISBN 9780195078367, p. 298:
 * "The difference between playing to win and playing not to lose is the difference between the successful executive and the security-hunting, mediocre man.

Synonyms

 * do whatever it takes, pull out the stops