all things considered: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘all things considered’ mean?

"All things considered" means taking into account all relevant factors or circumstances in order to make a fair judgment or decision.

Idiom Explorer

Unveiling the True Essence

The idiom "all things considered" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is typically used to express a conclusion or judgment after taking into account various factors or circumstances. The meaning of the idiom can be understood by considering the literal meaning of its individual words - "all," which refers to everything, and "considered," which implies careful thought or evaluation. When used together, they convey the idea of considering all relevant information or factors before making a decision or forming an opinion.

The exact origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it can be traced back to the 17th century. It has remained a widely used expression in both formal and informal contexts. Throughout history, people have used this phrase to summarize or evaluate a situation or event, indicating that they have weighed and considered all available information, circumstances, and perspectives before reaching a conclusion. It adds thoughtfulness and thoroughness to statements or arguments, demonstrating that a careful evaluation has been made.

when all is said and done, the idiom "all things considered" can be related to other idioms, such as "when all is said and done," "all told," and "after all." These idioms share the common theme of considering all factors or circumstances before reaching a conclusion or judgment. While each idiom may have slight variations in meaning and usage, they all emphasize the importance of taking into account all relevant information before making a decision.

In essence, "when all is said and done" implies that after all discussion or consideration, a final judgment or conclusion has been reached. Similarly, "all told" suggests that when everything is taken into account or considered, a final assessment or conclusion has been made. "After all" conveys the idea that despite other considerations or circumstances, a particular decision or conclusion is ultimately the most reasonable or appropriate choice.

These related idioms serve to reinforce the notion that careful evaluation and consideration of multiple factors are necessary to form an informed judgment or opinion. They highlight the importance of looking at the big picture and considering all relevant information before making a decision or reaching a conclusion.

An example of the idiom "all things considered" in a sentence could be: "Given the weather conditions and the high cost of transportation, I think staying home would be the best option, all things considered."

Overall, the idiom "all things considered" is a versatile and widely used expression in the English language. Its origin can be traced back to the 17th century, and it has retained its relevance and usage over the years. This idiom adds depth and consideration to statements or arguments and indicates that a careful evaluation has been made. When interpreting this idiom, it is important to consider not only its literal meaning but also its contextual usage and its relationship to other idioms, such as "when all is said and done," "all told," and "after all."

Example usage

Here are three examples of how the idiom *all things considered* can be used in sentences:

  1. All things considered, I believe it is better to wait until next year to start a new business.
  2. All things considered, she made the best decision by choosing to pursue her passion instead of accepting a high-paying job.
  3. All things considered, the team did a remarkable job and managed to win the championship, despite facing numerous setbacks.

More "Idioms" idioms