"The whole nine yards"?

What does it mean when someone uses “the whole nine yards” in a sentence?

Answer #1

Simply a Rose to brighten your day, And maybe lessen the cares in your way; And also, too, to help you to know, That in knowing you, many others grow!

Take your pick, whatever suits your fancy:

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_252.html

Answer #2

It kinda means they put in 100% they went the whole way, got the job done with a little extra.

But I am not sure were it comes from.

Answer #3

The same as “the whole enchilada!” Ever heard of “lock, stock, and barrel?” That would be a “turn key operation”, meaning: Getting the keys to the door, everything in the store and on the shelves, and the building in a purchase agreement. Some others might be a van with power washing equipment for car dealer lots, a truck with machines and candy as a vendor would use, etc.

Answer #4

I was going to answer but rotis got it right… it means going all the way, giving your all..