pull out all the stops vs apply

pull out all the stops and apply both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
pull out all the stops	No	No	Yes	No
apply	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, apply is a hypernym of pull out all the stops; that is, apply is a word with a broader meaning than pull out all the stops:

pull out all the stops: use all resources available
apply: put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

Other hypernyms of pull out all the stops include employ, use, utilise, utilize.

pull out all the stops (verb)	apply (verb)
use all resources available	ask (for something)
	refer (a word or name) to a person or thing
	put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
	coat, cover or smear a surface with
	give or convey physically
	avail oneself to
	ensure observance of laws and rules
	apply oneself to
	be pertinent or relevant or applicable
	be applicable to; as to an analysis