all over bar the shouting: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘all over bar the shouting’ mean?
"All over bar the shouting" refers to a situation that is nearly finished or concluded, with only minor or expected events left to occur. It implies that the outcome is certain and there is little or no suspense remaining.
Idiom Explorer
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The Final Battle Concludes
The idiom "all over bar the shouting" is primarily used in the UK, but its usage has spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States. The idiom is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it may be encountered in certain contexts or older writings.
The origin of the idiom is unclear, but it likely developed in the late 19th or early 20th century. It draws on the imagery of a sporting event, such as a horse race or a boxing match, to convey the sense of completion or conclusion. When something is "all over bar the shouting," it means that a particular event or process has reached its final stage and the outcome is virtually certain. The only remaining actions or sounds are those of celebration or disapproval.
The idiom is often used to describe situations where the outcome is virtually assured and any further action or effort would be unnecessary. It can be used in various contexts, from sports and competitions to political or business scenarios. In these cases, the idiom serves as a concise way to convey the inevitability of a finalized result.
It's important to note that the idiom may not be immediately recognizable to all English speakers, especially those not familiar with British or older usage. Its less frequent usage in contemporary language can lead to confusion or misinterpretation if encountered without prior exposure to its meaning.
The idiom "all over but the shouting" is related to the idiom "all over bar the shouting," as it conveys a similar sense of completion or conclusion. The phrase "all over with" is also related, as it implies that something has finished or concluded. Another related idiom is "when all is said and done," which suggests that everything that needs to be said or done has been completed. These idioms share the common theme of finality and the certainty of the outcome.
The idiom "all over bar the shouting" is a British English expression that signifies the completion or conclusion of an event or process. It likely originated in the late 19th or early 20th century and draws on the imagery of a sporting event. While not commonly used in everyday conversation, the idiom retains its relevance in specific contexts and offers a vivid and concise way to express the inevitability of a concluded outcome.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "all over bar the shouting" can be used in a sentence:
- The team had a comfortable lead in the final minutes of the game, so it was all over bar the shouting.
- After several rounds of negotiations, the deal was finally agreed upon, and it was all over bar the shouting.
- She had studied diligently for the exam and felt extremely prepared, so when she finished it early, it was all over bar the shouting.
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