shoot the moon

verb3

1. •
   (figurative) To attain great heights, a high value, or a numerically high measurement.

   • Already orbiting at altitudes unimaginable a few short years ago, interest rates moved even higher last week and threatened to shoot the moon. — 1981
2. •
   To achieve the lowest or highest score possible, such that the player is usually rewarded with bonus points.

   • In our last hand of pinochle, Leon and Janet shot the moon, taking all 50 tricks.
   • When Randy took the queen of spades on the last trick in our game of hearts, he shot the moon.
3. •
   (slang) To abscond without paying one's rent.

   • Perhaps it was Powlett's memory of Boswell's charm that caused him, when he shot the moon and moved to France to escape creditors, to take with him his father-in-law's papers. — 1950