all holiday: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘all holiday’ mean?

The idiom "all holiday" means having a relaxed and carefree attitude, often associated with taking a break or being on vacation.

Idiom Explorer

Hidden Holiday Essence

All holiday is a commonly used idiom in English language to express taking a break from work or other obligations. It signifies a temporary period of relaxation or leisure. It is the perfect phrase to describe a situation where a person is completely free from work or responsibilities and can fully enjoy their time off. This could involve going on a vacation, taking a trip, or simply taking a break from the usual daily routine.

In addition to its literal meaning, all holiday can also imply a state of mental or emotional detachment from one's usual concerns or worries. It suggests a mindset where an individual is fully immersed in the enjoyment of their leisure time and not preoccupied with their usual obligations. It represents a state of complete relaxation and a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The origin of the phrase all holiday can be traced back to the ancient practice of taking holidays or vacations. Initially, holidays were primarily associated with religious and cultural festivities. However, over time, the concept of holiday expanded to include any period of leisure or freedom from work.

The idiom all holiday gained popularity in late 19th and early 20th century English literature, and it continues to be widely used today. It is commonly used in both spoken and written language, particularly in informal conversations and casual settings. The familiarity and simplicity of this idiom make it easy to understand and use.

I am looking forward to my festive vacation break.

The idiom all holiday is closely related to several other idioms that are commonly used in English. These idioms further emphasize the idea of taking time off and enjoying oneself. For example, the idiom "time off" refers to taking a break from work or other responsibilities. It can be used interchangeably with the phrase all holiday to convey the same concept of leisure and freedom.

Another related idiom is "have a good time," which is a common phrase used to wish someone an enjoyable experience or to describe the act of enjoying oneself. When someone says they are having a good time, it means they are fully embracing the idea of all holiday and making the most of their time off.

Similarly, the idiom "day out" is used to describe a day spent outside of one's usual environment, typically for leisure or enjoyment. It is often associated with activities such as sightseeing, visiting attractions, or simply exploring a new place. A day out is a perfect example of all holiday, as it allows individuals to detach from their usual routine and have a fun-filled day.

Another related idiom, "anything goes," reflects the idea that during all holiday, one can relax and engage in activities that they might not do during their usual daily routine. It signifies a lack of restrictions or rules and encourages individuals to fully embrace their leisure time without worrying about societal norms or obligations.

Finally, the idiom "busman's holiday" adds an interesting twist to the concept of all holiday. It refers to a situation where someone takes a break from their usual work but ends up doing a similar activity during their time off. For example, a chef taking a cooking class or a musician going to a concert. The idiom highlights the idea that even during leisure time, some individuals still find joy in engaging with activities related to their profession.

The idiom all holiday is a widely-used expression in the English language that signifies taking a break from work or responsibilities. Its usage dates back to ancient times and has evolved to encompass any period of leisure or freedom from work. It is a simple and familiar phrase that conveys the idea of relaxation and enjoyment. The related idioms "time off," "have a good time," "day out," "anything goes," and "busman's holiday" further emphasize the concept of taking time off and fully embracing all holiday.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "all holiday" can be used in a sentence:

  1. She took the entire month of December off work, declaring it her all holiday.
  2. After a long and tiring year, the family decided to book a beach resort for their all holiday.
  3. Instead of celebrating Christmas in the traditional way, they planned a ski trip and turned it into an all holiday adventure.

More "Vocabulary" idioms