and all this: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘and all this’ mean?
An idiom meaning "and everything else related to it" or "and so on".
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "one and all" means every single person or thing, without exception.
An idiom that means the final or last gathering or collection of something or someone, often used to express the end or conclusion of a particular event, activity, or period of time.
The idiom "in addition" means to include or introduce something extra or supplementary to what is already present or available.
The idiom "if nothing else" is used to emphasize the sole positive quality or result when everything else may not be satisfactory.
The idiom "good and" is used as an intensifier to indicate something is very much or completely in a certain state or condition.
"From soup to nuts" is an idiom used to describe a comprehensive or complete range of things or activities, covering everything from the beginning to the end.
The idiom "for that matter" is used to add a related or similar point to a previous statement or question, suggesting that it is equally applicable or relevant. It is often used to expand on a topic or to indicate that something is true in a more general sense.
The idiom "everything but the kitchen sink" means including almost everything, often used to express an excessive or overwhelming amount of things or information.
The idiom "everything and the kitchen sink" means including every possible thing or item, often used to describe a situation or a collection that is excessive or overloaded.
An idiom used to describe something ordinary, typical, or unremarkable.
Uncovering Hidden Depths
The idiom "and all this" is an informal phrase commonly used in English. It refers to a collection or accumulation of things, events, situations, or ideas, often conveying a feeling of overwhelm or exhaustion. While its exact origin is uncertain, the phrase has been in use for several decades. It consists of the word "and," a conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses, and "all this," an expression referring to everything that has been mentioned or is currently happening.
As an idiom, "and all this" does not have a fixed grammatical structure and can be used in various contexts. It is commonly found in informal conversations, written texts, and online communication, highlighting its prevalence in contemporary English. The idiom serves multiple purposes, such as emphasizing a multitude of things or events, illustrating a sense of overwhelm, or expressing frustration or weariness. It can also be used to refer to a long list of things or to summarize a complex situation.
Related idioms such as "all that jazz," "everything and the kitchen sink," "one and all," and "be-all and end-all" share similarities with "and all this" in terms of their usage and meaning. These idioms also convey a sense of accumulation or entirety, providing additional ways to express overwhelming situations or the inclusion of various elements.
For example, the idiom "all that jazz" is used to describe everything related to a specific topic or situation. It originated from the jazz music genre, where the phrase was initially used to refer to the entire set of elements involved in a performance. Over time, its usage expanded beyond the music context to refer to anything and everything associated with a particular matter.
Similarly, the idiom "everything and the kitchen sink" is used to describe a situation or collection that includes an excessive or unnecessary number of items. The phrase originates from the idea of adding every possible item to a list, including even the kitchen sink. It emphasizes the idea of inclusion and abundance, similar to the way "and all this" showcases a collection or accumulation.
"One and all" is another idiom related to "and all this." It refers to every individual or every member of a group. The phrase emphasizes inclusivity and the idea of considering every person or entity involved. It can be used in various contexts to express unity, support, or the involvement of everyone.
Lastly, the idiom "be-all and end-all" shares a similar concept to "and all this" by referring to something that is considered the ultimate goal or the most important aspect of a matter. The phrase originated from Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," where it was used to describe the most crucial element or purpose. It conveys the idea that a certain thing or aspect is the be-all and end-all, or the ultimate focus and priority.
Overall, these related idioms, including "all that jazz," "everything and the kitchen sink," "one and all," and "be-all and end-all," share the theme of accumulation, completeness, or emphasis. They provide alternative ways to express overwhelming situations, inclusivity, or the importance of specific elements. Utilizing these idioms can add variety and depth to the use of "and all this" and enhance the overall language and communication.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "and all this" can be used in a sentence: 1. She has a full-time job, takes care of her children, and manages the household chores, and all this without any help. 2. He has won several awards, published multiple books, and all this while battling a chronic illness. 3. They have saved enough money to buy a house, travel the world, and all this through hard work and determination.
The idiom "and all this" is used to emphasize the magnitude or extent of a situation, action, or achievement. It is often used in sentences where multiple impressive or significant accomplishments or tasks are mentioned, indicating the speaker's admiration or astonishment at the person's abilities or achievements. The phrase is used to emphasize that all of these actions or accomplishments have been done or achieved simultaneously or in addition to other responsibilities or challenges. It adds weight to the sentence and highlights the impressive nature of the situation being described.
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