all the marbles: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "all the marbles" is commonly used in American English. It means that everything is at stake or someone is risking everything on a particular outcome. One possible origin of this idiom is from the game of marbles, where players would compete to collect all the marbles as their prize. Another possible origin is from the game of pool, where the winner takes all the balls. The idiom is used in various contexts, such as sports, business, and politics, to describe high-stakes situations where the ultimate reward or risk is involved.

The idiom "play all one's cards" is related to "all the marbles" because both idioms convey the idea of putting everything on the line. When someone plays all their cards, they are using all their resources or strategies to achieve a desired outcome. It's like gambling everything you have in order to win. Similarly, "all the marbles" signifies the risk or gamble of putting everything at stake for a particular result.

The idiom "be-all and end-all" is also related to "all the marbles" because both idioms are used to convey the idea of something being the ultimate or most important thing. "Be-all and end-all" is often used to describe something that is regarded as the most essential or crucial aspect of a situation or topic. Similarly, "all the marbles" represents the ultimate reward or risk, emphasizing the significance and importance of a particular outcome.

The idiom "all ends up" shares a similarity with "all the marbles" in terms of indicating the final or ultimate result. "All ends up" is used to describe a situation where everything turns out in a particular way or outcome. Similarly, "all the marbles" signifies that everything is at stake or is dependent on a specific result.

The idiom "all over with" is related to "all the marbles" in the sense that it conveys the idea of something being finished or concluded. "All over with" is often used to describe the end or resolution of a situation. Similarly, "all the marbles" can indicate the final outcome of a high-stakes game or gamble, emphasizing that everything is finished or settled based on that result.

The idiom "game, set, match" is also connected to "all the marbles" as both idioms are used in sports contexts. "Game, set, match" is typically used to declare victory or the conclusion of a competition. Similarly, "all the marbles" can describe a high-stakes game or match where the winner takes all, highlighting the significance and finality of the outcome.

The idiom "all the marbles" is commonly used in American English to convey the idea of everything being at stake or someone risking everything for a particular outcome. Its origins may be connected to games like marbles and pool, where the winner takes all the prizes. The idiom is used in various contexts, such as sports, business, and politics, to describe high-stakes situations where the ultimate reward or risk is involved. Other related idioms, such as "play all one's cards," "be-all and end-all," "all ends up," "all over with," and "game, set, match," further emphasize the idea of putting everything on the line or the ultimate result. These idioms continue to be a part of the American English language, providing speakers with a concise and impactful way to express the concept of risking or gambling everything for a particular outcome.