across the board: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘across the board’ mean?
The idiom "across the board" means in all areas or aspects, without exception or discrimination. It is often used to describe something that applies universally or affects everyone or everything involved.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "the world over" means something is true or exists everywhere in the world, without any exceptions. It emphasizes the universal nature or global scope of a particular phenomenon or situation.
The idiom "in the world" is used to emphasize something by placing it in a broader context. It implies that there is no greater or more extreme example of that thing anywhere else.
The idiom "in one go" means doing something all at once or in a single attempt, without pausing or stopping. It suggests efficiency and not wasting time.
The idiom "in every sense of the word" means that something is true or accurate in every possible way or aspect. It emphasizes the completeness or thoroughness of a particular statement or description.
The idiom "in any way, shape, or form" means absolutely no exceptions or possibilities. It emphasizes the complete absence of options or alternatives in a situation or action.
The idiom "in a big way" means to do something on a large scale, with great intensity or significance.
The idiom "if it's all the same" is used to express indifference or lack of preference between different options or outcomes.
The idiom "here, there and everywhere" means to be present or found in many different places or situations, often with little focus or purpose.
The idiom "head to toe" means completely or fully, often referring to being covered or dressed from head to toe in something.
The idiom "go by the board" means to be disregarded, ignored, or abandoned. It refers to something that is set aside or eliminated, usually due to changing circumstances or priorities.
Unlocking the Mystery
The idiom "across the board" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It means that something applies to everyone or everything involved, without exception. The origin of this idiom is difficult to trace, but one theory suggests it came from horse racing. Specifically, it originated from the practice known as "across the board betting," where equal bets are placed on a horse to win, place, and show. Over time, the phrase gained wider usage beyond horse racing and became a figurative expression. The idiom "across the board" is versatile and can be used in many contexts. It is commonly used in business, politics, economics, and everyday conversations. For example, it can be used to say that salaries have been increased for everyone, or that new regulations will affect all industries. The idiom "across the board" signifies something that applies to everyone or everything involved, without any exceptions. Its origin may be traced back to horse racing, specifically the practice of "across the board betting." However, it is important to note that the precise historical development of this idiom remains unclear. Nevertheless, it is a widely recognized and utilized expression in the English language, conveying a sense of universality and comprehensiveness.
The idiom "the world over" is closely related to "across the board." It means that something is true or applies to people in all parts of the world. This idiom emphasizes the global or universal nature of a statement or situation. For instance, one might say that the desire for peace is shared by people the world over. "by all accounts" is also connected to "across the board." It is used to indicate that something is agreed upon or supported by everyone involved. This idiom implies that multiple sources or perspectives confirm a particular statement or judgment. An example sentence would be "By all accounts, the new restaurant is a huge success." Another related idiom is "in every sense of the word," which means that something is true or valid in every way imaginable. This idiom emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of a statement. It suggests that there are no exceptions, limitations, or qualifications to the statement being made. For instance, one might say "He is a gentleman in every sense of the word," implying that the person embodies all the qualities and characteristics associated with being a gentleman.
The idioms "the world over," "by all accounts," and "in every sense of the word" are all connected to the idiom "across the board." While "across the board" signifies something that applies to everyone or everything involved, "the world over" emphasizes the global nature of a statement or situation. "By all accounts" indicates unanimous agreement or support, while "in every sense of the word" emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of a statement. These idioms, together with "across the board," contribute to effective and nuanced communication in various contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "across the board" can be used in a sentence:
- The company decided to give its employees a 5% pay increase across the board.
- The new policy applies across the board and affects all departments equally.
- The stock market experienced a significant drop, with losses across the board in various sectors.
More "Universal" idioms
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