all and some: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘all and some’ mean?

The idiom "all and some" means "every single person or thing." It is used to emphasize that everyone or everything is included, without exception.

Idiom Explorer

Interpreting the Elusive Expression

The idiom "all and some" is not commonly used, but it is primarily used in American English. It is a phrase that emphasizes inclusiveness, indicating that everyone or everything is included in a certain category or action.

One way this idiom is used is to emphasize that something applies to everyone, regardless of their level of involvement. It expresses the idea of collective responsibility, showing that both the whole group and some individuals bear the same burden or are accountable for certain actions.

Another way "all and some" is used is to describe a situation where everyone, without exception, is affected by a particular event or circumstance. It implies that no one is exempt or excluded from the consequences or impact of that event.

Overall, "all and some" is a less common phrase that highlights the notion of inclusion and collective involvement. It underscores that both the entire group and specific individuals within it are part of a particular category, action, or consequence.

Some cats are allergic to all forms of fish.

The idiom "all and some" is related to other idioms like "all and sundry", "and then some", and "every last". These idioms share the theme of inclusiveness or emphasis on the entirety of a group. Let's explore each of these idioms:

"All and sundry" is another idiomatic expression that emphasizes the idea of inclusiveness. It is often used to refer to a great variety of people or things. For example, if you say that "all and sundry attended the party," it means that everyone, without exception, attended the party. The phrase "all and sundry" emphasizes that every single person or thing was included or involved.

"And then some" is an idiom used to indicate that there is an additional or extra amount of something. It suggests that there is more than what has been mentioned or expected. For instance, if you say, "He gave me a hundred dollars and then some," it means that he gave you more than a hundred dollars, or an additional amount. The phrase "and then some" emphasizes that there is an extra or surplus quantity.

"Every last" is an idiomatic expression that emphasizes the completeness or entirety of a group. It is used to emphasize that every single person or thing in a group is included or accounted for. For example, if you say, "I ate every last cookie," it means that you ate every single cookie, leaving none behind. The phrase "every last" emphasizes the inclusiveness and completeness of the group.

The idiom "all and some" is less commonly used, but it conveys the notion of inclusiveness and collective involvement. It emphasizes that both the entire group and specific individuals within it are part of a particular category, action, or consequence. It is related to other idioms like "all and sundry", "and then some", and "every last", which also emphasize inclusiveness or the entirety of a group.

Example usage

Examples of the idiom "all and some" used in sentences:

  • All and some of my friends are coming to the party tonight.
  • We invited all and some of our neighbors to the neighborhood barbecue.
  • All and some of the students in the class passed the exam.

More "inclusivity" idioms